Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure. – (Psalm 16:9, NIV)
So my heart and soul will be very happy. Even my body will live in safety. – (Psalm 16:9, ERV)
This is a good life – my heart is glad, my soul is full of joy, and my body is at rest. Who could want for more? – (Psalm 16:9, VOICE)
Having a long weekend is an incredible blessing. Time away provides opportunity to rest and reconnect in ways that are not as easily found at home. The responsibilities and to do lists beckon at home, but here, all I need to do is rest secure. Outside, the driving rain is caressing the window panes and the ocean waves are soothing my soul with their steady crashes into the shore. Today, as we appreciate the security and safety that we know in our nation, we ought to give thanks for those who have served and continue to serve to protect the freedom that we know and love. I come from a lineage of family members who have served and fought to protect this life I know and love. God has raised up men and women who have chosen to sacrifice the comfort and security of home as they serve in our armed forces to protect the blessings that we know and enjoy. May we make time today to give God thanks for those who have chosen to serve, and appreciate the people who have given of their time and talents to keep our nation safe. To all those who have served and continue to serve, thank you.
The freedom we know,
has not been for free;
through great sacrifice,
it has come to be.
The freedom of choice,
in what’s said and done;
all that we enjoy,
these freedoms were won.
Thank you one and all,
who’ve chosen to serve;
and thanks be to God,
for grace undeserved.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gifts of grace, love, and security. Thank You for those who have served to help uphold the freedoms our nation was founded upon. Forgive us for the times that we have taken these blessings for granted, or neglected to give thanks for the blessings we know. Teach us to give You thanks and praise, and to appreciate well, all who served and continue to serve to keep our home safe and secure. Show us how to love with Your goodness and grace, and help many to come to choose Your saving ways. May many enter into a lasting relationship with You, our true hope and safe space. Be glorified O God, as we praise and thank You for the ability to rest secure because of the service of those whom You have raised up. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28