Wait for the Lord; be strong and courageous. Wait for the Lord. – (Psalm 27:14, HCSB)
Wait for the Lord’s help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the Lord’s help. – (Psalm 27:14, ERV)
Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit. I’ll say it again: Stay with God. – (Psalm 27:14, MSG)
Staying with God and waiting on Him is what we need to finish our race and enter into the glory of eternity with God. In our current series at church, Kingdom Come, yesterday’s message had a great analogy of how God welcomes us into His Kingdom. One of our pastors, who knew little about football, had attended her first Seahawks game the week prior. She took notice of new things and asked questions about what she was observing. As she was closing up her message on Matthew 6:1-13, one part of her analogy that she had observed at the game, challenged my thinking. She spoke of how each play was introduced by name with fireworks as they came into view from the tunnel. Her comment was that God celebrates and welcomes us in the same way. At first, I paused and thought, by name, sure, but fireworks? That is a big deal for one person. As I pondered, the first thing that came to mind was that though I do not deserve a big production, Jesus does. Jesus in me deserves all accolades. Then I considered things further. When we welcome a baby into the world, we celebrate with thanksgiving, gifts, and great cheer. God is our Father in Heaven, and He celebrates us in the same way. We are known and acknowledged with good things because we are His. May we ever seek the Lord, for He is our strength and where our courage comes from. He celebrates and acknowledges each of us by name, and with great celebration because we are His.
With celebration,
The Lord calls our name;
He ushers us in,
To goodness proclaimed.
His Kingdom is now,
And forevermore;
We’re meant to embrace,
And trust in the Lord.
For as we choose live,
Depending on Him;
He equips with strength,
To do as He did.
In Him we can live,
As is His intent;
To love each other,
With grace, enter in.
So, trust in the Lord,
Know you are enough;
Not for what you do,
But because He’s tough.
Strong to uphold us,
Grace that always loves;
Purveyor of peace,
All hope from above.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that as we wait on You, You show us who You are and that Your Kingdom is not only in Heaven, but is here and now as well. Thank You that You know us and call us by name, and that You celebrate us, not for what we do, but because we are Yours. Forgive us for the times that we fear that we are not enough or we lose heart in the waiting. Teach us again and again that our value is found in You because we are Yours, and that as we wait on You, You grant us strength and hope and help. Show us how to love one another as You created us to do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait in trust for You in tough spaces, and praise You that we are known, loved and upheld by You, our Heavenly Father. Amen.
© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present
I will give thanks to You, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonderful deeds. – Psalm 9:1
Revelations In Writing 