Hope As We Wait

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in His word I put my hope. – (Psalm 130:5, NIV)

I am waiting for the Lord to help me. My soul waits for Him. I trust what He says. – (Psalm 130:5, ERV)

So I wait for the Eternal – my soul awaits rescue – and I put my hope in His transforming word. – (Psalm 130:5, VOICE)

I am not necessarily in need of rescue, but I certainly need the Lord’s help to navigate each new day. Right now, we are in the throes of back-to-school training and meetings, and I feel like it is a scramble to get all that needs to be done, completed. This morning, I am again reminded to trust in Him, for He is my help and my hope. It does not mean that I sit idly by and wait for Him to magically impart all that is needed upon me, but rather I keep moving forward and trust in Him to fill and equip me for all that lies ahead. The wait is to settle my own heart so that I am aware of His presence and perfect peace. When I slow down and settle into the seeking as I start my day, I know that I can trust Him for all that lies ahead of me. May we ever wait on the Lord to be our help and our hope, and trust in Him, for His word is true and endures forever.

O Lord, help us wait,

For Your perfect peace;

That comes from trusting,

You’ll meet all our needs.

Strength when we’re weary,

Hope in the unknowns;

Grace on the journey,

‘Til heaven’s our home.

Show us, Lord Jesus,

Your help, hope and peace;

Equip us for where,

Your loving path leads.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our help and our hope as we wait on You to lead us forward. Thank You that we become aware of the presence of Your perfect peace as we slow down and spend time waiting on You. Forgive us for our frustrations and fears as we walk into new seasons. Show us Your goodness and grace, for Your word is faithful and Your peace is available, always. Teach us to trust You more. Lead us to love all those around us as You do, so that all might know the hope that is found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we wait on Your leading, and trust You to be our ever-present help and hope through every season. Amen.

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

We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. – Psalm 33:20

The Weight of Grief in the Garden

When He rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. – (Luke 22:45, NIV)

When He finished praying, He went to His followers. He found them asleep, worn out from their grieving.  – (Luke 22:45, ERV)

When Jesus finished praying, He got up and went to His disciples and found them all asleep, for they were exhausted and overwhelmed with sorrow. – (Luke 22:45, TPT)

I am not sure why I have not ever noticed the phrasing of Luke’s account of what took place in the Garden of Gethsemane before, but why the disciples fell asleep, becomes far more relate-able somehow. The disciples had every reason to be grieving, for they had shared their final meal with Jesus, heard His last words of wisdom, sung their last hymn together, and then heard that one among them would betray Him and another would deny Him… That is some serious heaviness to hold. How often do we find ourselves in the same sort of space? There  are times that the grief is too great, and even as we try to pray, exhaustion takes over, and sleep finds a welcomed win. The disciples, though Jesus had told them what would take place, could likely not wrap their hearts and minds around it all. They were in the throes of the suffering and sorrow-filled part, and could not yet see the glorious hope that would come after the horror Jesus was about to endure. Incredibly, Jesus continued to pray. When Judas and his entourage of Sanhedrin and soldiers arrived to have Jesus arrested, Jesus continued to love as He healed the ear that an over-zealous disciple cut off in His defense. He went willingly, without argument nor needed force, for love led Him to the cross at Calgary.

I paused writing to go run, and ended up having a great discussion about the potential disparity between the four accounts of the disciples’ time in the garden. My running bestie is a nurse, so she reminded me that Luke was a doctor. Between us, we recognized that the other accounts were recorded by fishermen, who likely felt bad for falling asleep, and simply recorded that alone. Luke, however, from a physician’s standpoint, was the most likely to recognize the toll that grief and sorrow take on the body, and reported the occurrence accordingly. Like me, she had not ever noticed the difference in the accounts of what took place, but together, we discussed how it indeed made sense. Many of us find ourselves in a similar space of grief or sorrow. There is loss that we are uncertain how to process, and that weighs heavily, no matter how much we pray. Perhaps this forced slow down season is meant for more than just protecting ourselves from the further spread of a pandemic; maybe, just maybe, this is a season where we are to allow our bodies to sleep when we can fight it no longer, rest up, reflect on what truly matters, and rise up renewed and refreshed, as Jesus carried it all for us and rose again. May we give ourselves grace in our moments of sorrow, grief and exhaustion, and look to the Lord who is the One who strengthens, renews and grants us what we need to rise up restored, once again.

In grief’s heaviness,

Sculpture by Celeste Roberge

We’re burdened and worn;

Exhausted and spent,

In sorrow, forlorn.

Our bodies in need,

Of overdue rest;

Sometimes a shut down,

When sleep is the best.

God knows all our needs,

He loves us with grace;

Refreshes, renews,

And brings brighter days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son to show us Your goodness and grace, even in humanity’s most exhausted spaces. Thank You that You love us back to life again, even when our weariness from loss steals our resolve to rise and fight. Forgive us for thinking that we can somehow power through things without giving room for grief. Teach us to lean into You to show us how to properly process, rest and rise again in all that You are calling us to do. Lead us to love others well, so that their burdens may be lessened and their sorrow’s shortened. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we come to You in our heaviness and seek You for rest and refreshment as You restore and renew us in You. Amen.

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

My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word. – Psalm 119:28

Finding Perfect Peace

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. – (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)

God, You give true peace to people who depend on You, to those who trust in You. – (Isaiah 26:3, ERV)

You will keep the peace, a perfect peace, for all who trust in You, for those who dedicate their hearts and minds to You. – (Isaiah 26:3, VOICE)

 

When we choose to trust in the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength, we discover His peace, regardless of what surrounds us. Perfect peace holds our hearts steady through the throes of life’s storms. May we ever depend on the Lord, choosing to trust in Him, for He is our source of true and perfect peace.

 

Perfect peace is found,

By those who choose trust;

In God forever,

He’s faithful and just.

No matter what comes,

Those who choose to stand;

Strength in the battles,

Unending peace planned.

So, trust in the Lord,

Seek Jesus for peace;

Hearts that are seeking,

Find God’s grace released.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our perfect peace, no matter what comes our way. Thank You that You are the same God whether life is tumultuous as when all is well. Thank You that You grant us Your perfect peace through all things as we seek and depend on You. Forgive us for allowing our focus to fix on the problem rather than You, our solution. Teach us to trust and rely on You more. Show us how to love those around us in a way that extends Your perfect peace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust in You in all things, as Your perfect peace You bring to all who seek You. Amen.

 

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

 

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. – Matthew 5:9

Our Story, His Glory

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for Him. – (Philippians 1:29, NLT)

God has blessed you in ways that serve Christ. He allowed you to believe in Christ. But that is not all. He has also given you the honor of suffering for Christ. Both of these bring glory to Christ. – (Philippians 1:29, ERV)

 

At first read, this verse does not seem all that encouraging. Who wants to suffer? And suffering as an honor? Eesh… However, the more I think about it, the more I can see present day application in our area. Currently, in the U.S., there are few examples of people suffering for their faith. That being said, there are those who are in the midst of trials and tragedies that cling closely to Christ. The way in which they hold fast to their faith is a witness to all who know their story. I know I stand in awe when I hear stories of Christians who stand their ground in countries where people are persecuted for their faith. Additionally, I am amazed by the resilience and perseverance of people in the midst of personal pain who cling to Christ with all that they have. When we go through trials of any kind and choose to trust in the Lord, and allow our faith to flavor everything we do, people cannot help but notice and wonder why. God uses our circumstances to draw others unto Himself. It is in the throes of trials that we discover how great God is, and the hope we have in Him. As we come to grasp with certainty the hope we hold, others cannot help but desire what we have. May we recognize the privilege we have to walk out our lives in faith, and trust Christ in all things so that we might bring glory unto Him.

 

We have been given,

Privilege in Christ;

In times of blessing,

And when it’s not nice.

For how we choose trust,

In good and in pain;

Will show to the world,

The hope in His Name.

So let us hold fast,

And give God glory;

As we choose to trust,

Him for our story.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we have the privilege to trust You in all things. Thank You for the blessings that You bestow upon us. Thank You for Your grace, strength, presence and peace in times of suffering. Thank You that You can use our suffering for Your glory. Forgive us for wanting to hide away in our suffering, rather than to rise up and move forward in faith. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the ultimate Author of our story, and You have prepared the perfect ending. Show us how to love people well through their seasons of blessing and of suffering, so that they may come to know the hope that is found in You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You in all things and at all times, allowing You glory for whatever happens in our story. Amen.

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

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy. – Job 8:21

A Tribe that is True

Friends love through all kinds of weather, and families stick together in all kinds of trouble. – (Proverbs 17:17, MSG)

A true friend loves regardless of the situation, and a real brother exists to share the tough times. – (Proverbs 17:17, VOICE)

 

Somehow, I am blessed with friends who have become family and family that I truly consider friends. For the past few days, my boys and I had the pleasure of spending sweet time together with my sister and her family. It was a joy to see the cousins carry on as if no time had passed since the last time we gathered, and for me, time face-to-face with my sister and brother-in-law is always a gift to my heart. Today, some of my most dearly treasured tribe of friends will gather for our first annual “Friendsgiving”. The very idea of gathering all together in gratitude fills my heart to overflowing. Each one of us has endured some serious storms over the past year, yet with our circle surrounding whomever was in the throes of the storm, each of us was able to endure and come through stronger, knowing that we were supported and loved. May we all continue through this sacred season surrounding our people with love and support, and giving thanks for the blessings that the Lord has brought our way.

 

May we be the friends,

Who love through the storm;

A place of safety,

Where hearts become warm.

No matter what comes,

May we remain true;

In love and friendship,

Help each other through.

Let’s be family,

In good times and bad;

Through all circumstance,

Reason to be glad.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful blessings of friends and family that You give. Thank You that You use the relationships around us to show us more of Yourself. Thank You that so often, Your heart is made tangible through the encouraging words of the people You place in our lives. Forgive us for not loving the way You call us to love. Teach us to be the kind of friends and family that You have created us to be. Show us how to love and stick together, no matter what comes our way. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love regardless of circumstances, just as You love us. Amen.

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

Because of the tender mercy of our God, …the rising sun will come to us from heaven. – Luke 1:78

Both For Our Benefit

On a good day, enjoy yourself; On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days so that we won’t take anything for granted. – (Ecclesiastes 7:14, MSG)

 

Everyone has good days and bad days. A bad day does not mean a bad life. If Christ is in our hearts and lives, then we are blessed to know Him. On our best days, we are aware of His abundant blessings, as there seems to be an overflow of goodness and grace that we are given. Conversely, on our most difficult days, everything feels like a battle. However, even in the throes of the fight, when the Lord is our light, we have help and hope; the blessed assurance that things will get better, and God’s presence and strength in the meantime. May we embrace His grace on good days and bad, and rest assured that He is with us and will use every experience to refine us further into who we are meant to become.

 

On good days and bad,

Let us each embrace;

What we’re meant to learn,

In light of His grace.

He gives help and hope,

When our days are tough;

His strength and His peace,

Are always enough.

When all things go well,

And the blessings flow;

Give thanks to the Lord,

For what He’s made known.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we experience both good and bad days, so that we can truly appreciate the benefit of each. On the good days, we praise You for the blessings that You pour out upon us, and on the bad, we thank You for Your grace and Your presence that see us through. Forgive us for our grumbling, as no one enjoys the days that are a struggle. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would praise You in all things and at all times, with thanks for all that You show us and teach us in every circumstance. Show us how to love others through their best and worst days, so that they may come to a place where they long to give You praise. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we thank You for every experience that we walk through, knowing that You will use each one for our benefit. Amen.

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

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort. – 2 Corinthians 1:3

Blessings for Patient Endurance

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. – (James 1:12, NLT)

Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love Him. – (James 1:12, ERV)

 

One thing is certain – we all will go through times of testing and temptation. It is part of the package that comes with being residents of a fallen world. We are called to patiently endure all that we face before us, so that we may receive that which ultimately awaits. The enduring that is asked of us is not something that we are meant to do on our own, but rather through the strength of He who dwells within us. God is faithful to be present in our every need, and will walk beside us and give us the strength that we need to endure all things. May we rise up in faith and trust He who is more than able to see us through every trial and test that lies before us, so that we can patiently endure to the end and receive the crown of life that God has promised to all who choose to love Him.

 

With patience, may we,

endure all that comes;

not in our own strength,

but through Christ, the Son.

For when we choose trust,

dependence on Him;

He’s present to help,

see us to the end.

His promise is clear,

as we set pride down;

trust His grace and love,

eternal life’s crown.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Thank You that we have the hope of eternal life to hold, as it is promised to all who love You. Forgive us for our lack of faith and fearfulness in the throes of trials and temptations. Help us to trust You more, so that we would seek You and place ourselves in Your hands in all things and at all times. Show us how to love others so that Your hope may be made plain through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we patiently endure all that comes our way, trusting You to be our strength and our hope each new day. Amen.

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

For the Lord your God will bless you, …and your joy will be complete. – Deuteronomy 16:15

Where to Take Troubles

I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and He answered my prayer. – (Psalm 120:1, NLT)

I call on the Lord in my distress, and He answers me. – (Psalm 120:1, NIV)

 

When troubles come, and panic mode hits an all time high, we can either work ourselves in a frenzy, bury our head in the sand or bow our knees. God hears and answers the faithful prayers of those who seek Him. He hears every cry, and knows every need. There is no trouble nor trial that escapes His notice, and He is ready and willing to walk beside us, and move on our behalf. This weekend was one of those weekends for me. I had an obstacle that I could not overcome, and it seemed every turn that I took to try to accomplish what was needed, fell short. Finally, in my frustration, I hit my knees and bowed my head – calling out to God for help, as there was no possible way for me to do what I needed to do on my own. Yesterday, I thought a solution was before me, so peace was present. When I realized there had been a mishap and what I thought was the answer, was not, again, the frustration and fear began to creep in. Half-hearted prayers escaped my lips, and I continued through the morning as if swimming through mud. Then, when I had reached my breaking point, a dear friend stepped in and walked beside me, and together we navigated the unknown. God knew what I needed, and provided, at just the right time. He heard my cries and answered my prayer. He is good and He is faithful, no matter how things appear. May we rise up in trust, and call on Christ in our distress, for He hears and He answers when we come before Him.

 

When troubles come near,

cry out to the Lord;

for He hears each cry,

all grace He affords.

He answers the cries,

of those who choose seek;

the Lord in distress,

for strength when we’re weak.

He walks beside us,

when the storms rage on;

He is our safety,

for our whole life long.

May we learn to trust,

the Lord in all things;

for He calms the storm,

and true peace He brings.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can bring our troubles before You, and You hear our cries and answer our prayers. Thank You that You walk beside us in the throes of life’s storms, and You never leave us nor forsake us. Forgive us for attempting to figure things out on our own, rather than seek Your help in all things. Teach us to trust You more, as You are the answer to all that we are asking. Show us how to love others in a way that brings peace to distress and help to spaces of trouble, so that they might gain a glimpse of You through us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we call out to You in our distress, and trust You to answer our heart’s cry. Amen.

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

When times are good, be happy. – Ecclesiastes 7:14

Honoring Heroes

Conquering heroes,

from then until now,

waked into harms throes,

never asking how.

Fighting for freedom,

defending the weak;

protecting kingdoms,

no glory to seek.

May we remember,

and honor the ones,

parted so tender,

left daughters and sons.

For brave mighty souls,

who too young have died,

laid rest in a hole,

while survivors have cried.

We will not forget,

the brave folks who’ve served;

may we not regret,

grant honor deserved.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the many men and women who have faithfully fought, and are still fighting, to defend the freedoms that we are so fond of.  Please be with the families of those who have fallen, and lead us and guide us as to how we might help and lift them up in prayer.  Protect our forces that are serving still, and may we remember and honor well, those who have fallen in the fight.  Forgive us for not giving honor where it is due, or for being passive or apathetic when we ought to at least actively cover our countrymen and women in prayer.  Teach us how You would have us pray and extend practical help to those who are left behind, and to those who return injured or broken from the fight, so that they might not face all that lies before them alone.  May our loving acts of obedience lead many unto You, in who we have access to become more than conquerors, by Your great love.  Amen.

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