Rest in Hope

Yes, my soul find rest in God; my hope comes from Him. – (Psalm 62:5, NIV)

I must calm down and turn to God; He is my only hope. – (Psalm 62:5, ERV)

Oh, I must find rest in God only, because my hope comes from Him! – (Psalm 62:5, CEB)

 

Again, a timely reminder, as it was the second sleep-compromised night in a row. Though I am one who can function well on less sleep than most, it will very much be a God-thing to navigate this day on a two-day streak of five and six wake-ups per night. My longest consecutive stretch of sleep last evening was the first one, as I think I slept from nine to nearly eleven. After that, there was never a solid hour in between wake-ups, and finally after I was able to get mom settled back in bed after the 4:00 am restroom run, I decided to just stay up. Even now, an hour later, I already hear her beginning to stir. And, she’s up; ready for breakfast. Incredibly, as tired as I was yesterday, God provided the grace, strength and hope to navigate the day well. We were able to get showers, a visit in with a life-long friend of my sister’s, have lunch, and complete a few drive-thru errands in town, prior to mom’s neurology appointment and the crazy downpour that brought flash flood warnings with it. Our time in the room spent waiting for the neurologist was actually quite entertaining, as the pouring rain and electrical storm provided an incredible show. I opened the curtains from the third-floor room, and mom and I watched and listened to determine how far away the lightning strikes were hitting. (The nearest was likely three miles away) Dr. Seamans was fantastic, and took time to explain more about mom’s stroke and recovery to her. After her appointment, we braved the rain to make our way back home. Mom was able to take a reasonable rest before dinner, and we enjoyed a couple of movies after that, while she practiced her PT exercises on the commercial breaks. Today, she has physical therapy at 8:30 am, and a physiatry appointment at 2:15. I anticipate great things for both, as she is determined and motivated for PT, and her physiatrist is the same doctor who oversaw her care in the acute care rehabilitation center. May we ever hope in the One who grants our soul rest, and sees our every need.

 

Find rest in the Lord,

For hope comes from Him;

He won’t let us sink,

He’ll teach us to swim.

No matter the storm,

Or spaces of lack;

The Lord is faithful,

To keep us on track.

Continue forward,

To all that He’s called;

Always we can trust,

As grace is installed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can trust You to be our hope and our help in all things and at all times. Thank You that You provide the rest that our soul needs, even when we fear our bodies are going to give. Thank You that there is always enough in You. Forgive us for our frustrations when things seem to be going the wrong direction. Teach us to trust in You, rather than what we see. Show us how You are growing us through the challenges. Equip us to love like You, in all things and at all times, so that those around us understand the greatness of Your grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to be our hope and strength and rest. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. – Psalm 31:24

Nothing’s Too Hard for Him

Lord God, with Your great power You made the earth and the sky. There is nothing too hard for You to do. – (Jeremiah 32:17, ERV)

 

When faced with seemingly impossible scenarios and situations, it is good to remember Who is in control. The very same God who created everything, dwells within us, and equips us to do that which we could never do in our own strength. All around me, I see people facing and fighting impossible odds and obstacles. In my own life, I have had to make decisions that I would have never asked to make. God in us, gives us the grace and strength to do that which we would not be able to do on our own. May we never forget the One on whom we can always depend. For God’s awesome power is far greater than anything that we face.

 

The very same God,

Who made earth and sky;

is also the One,

on Whom we rely.

There’s nothing we face,

that’s greater than Him;

with Christ within us,

we won’t sink, we’ll swim.

We must look to Him,

and place all our trust;

for He is the One,

who made man from dust.

He breathes life in death,

gives strength where there’s none;

hope to defeated,

forgiveness is done.

All that we may need,

the Lord will supply;

if we choose to trust,

and on Him rely.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You, in Your great power, made the earth and the sky and everything in them. Thank You that there is nothing that is too difficult for You. Thank You that when we choose to place our trust in You, You are our ever-present help and place of peace, no matter what comes our way. Forgive us for forgetting just how powerful You are, as we become fearful in the throes of life’s storms. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will cling to You with all that we are, and draw our strength and hope from You alone. Lead us to be light in the world around us, so that many may come to know the hope that is held in You as we love the way You call us to love. Be glorified O God, as we trust in Your power and capacity to help us in all things and at all times. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25