Choose Trust

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – (Psalm 20:7, NIV)

Some give credit for victory to their chariots and soldiers, but we honor the Lord our God. – (Psalm 20:7, ERV)

Many put their hope in chariots, others in horses, but we place our trust in the name of the Eternal One, our True God. – (Psalm 20:7, VOICE)

I imagine the modern equivalent would be to trust in weapons or technology, rather than trusting in God. In actuality, anytime that something good transpires we ought to give our thanks to God. When we have victories and overcome obstacles, our first thought ought to be to thank God for His goodness, strength, and provision. Our battles are seldom like those of David’s, yet the faithfulness of God remains the same. The same God who equipped David for battle, is He who empowers us to face the trials that come our way. God’s love and faithfulness are far greater than the challenges that we endure, even when we do not understand. May we ever place our hope in God and trust in His faithfulness, for He will lead us through every challenge and strengthen us to persevere.

Choose trust in the Lord,

for He is so good;

our Hope and our Help,

where love’s understood.

He grants us the strength,

we need for each day;

He makes plain the path,

to not go astray.

Each of our triumphs,

are thanks to the Lord;

His peace that’s promised,

as grace is outpoured.

May we in all things,

give God all our praise;

the glory is His,

throughout all our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are forever faithful to be with us as we call on Your Name. Thank You that everything good in our lives is a gift from You. Thank You that every battle we have won and every obstacle overcome has been because of You. Forgive us for the times that we have trusted or given thanks to anything or anyone else for what You have done in our lives. Teach us to trust and acknowledge You in all things and at all times. Show us how to love those around us in ways that they see You through what is given. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose trust in You in all things and give Your praise for every good thing in our lives. Amen.

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

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight. – Proverbs 3:5

Hope in Living Water

But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. – (John 4:14, NIV)

But anyone who drinks the water I give will never be thirsty again. The water I give people will be like a spring flowing inside them. It will bring them eternal life. – (John 4:14, ERV)

I offer water that will become a wellspring within you that gives life throughout eternity. You will never be thirsty again. – (John 4:14, VOICE)

Jesus spoke these words to a Samaritan woman at the well in the middle of the day. First, Jews and Samaritans did not speak to one another. Second, male and female strangers did not speak to each other. Additionally, people did not typically draw water from the well in the heat of the day. His opening with the woman was simply to ask for a drink of water as she was drawing the water from the well. Her line of questions led to His statement about living water, and eventually to Jesus speaking the truth of who she was, what she had experienced, and what she could have through trusting in God. She embraced the grace that was freely given and then went and told everyone she could find about the One at the well. Her shame was overshadowed by the hope she discovered in Jesus. Incredibly, the same holds true for us still. When we realize the hope and joy that Jesus has for us as we trust in Him, we cannot help but allow His love and hope to radiate from us. May we ever trust in He who is the living water, and walk out our days in the reality of our eternal hope.

O Lord help us trust,

In all that is true;

Our eternal hope,

That is found in You.

Wherever we thirst,

Jesus is the cure;

True living water,

Hope that is assured.

For where there is hope,

There’s also resolve;

To keep keeping on,

As fears soon dissolve.

Rise up in worship,

To Him be all praise;

Our hope forever,

The strength through our days.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You meet us each at our “wells”, show us where we have been and what we have done, and freely and lovingly offer us new life in You. Forgive us for the times that we have neglected to seek You, or have lost sight of the hope that is forever in You. Teach us to trust in You in all things and at all times, and to remember that Your love is without limits or conditions. Show us how to love and accept those around us like You do. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we hold fast to the hope in You that lasts forever and live out our days trusting in the truth. Amen.

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

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. – Hebrews 6:19

Fear is a Liar

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. – (Proverbs 29:25, NIV)

Fear can be a trap, but if you trust in the Lord, you will be safe. – (Proverbs 29:25, ERV)

The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. – (Proverbs 29:25, MSG)

Fear is a liar. It creeps in and tells us that we are not enough, and that we will never accomplish what we have been called and created to do. When we choose to trust in the Lord, we discover peace, provision and safety. The things that once brought fear can become sources of joy. In Him, we need not be afraid, but rather we can move confidently forward in all that He calls us to do and become. May we choose to listen to the voice of truth, and allow Him to show us how to overcome fears and persevere.

Choose let not the fear,

Of people and things;

Keep us from doing,

What is our calling.

Instead trust the Lord,

Who arms and protects;

Equips success,

As He knows what’s best.

Rise up in freedom,

Choose His strength and song;

Keep pressing forward,

In Christ, carry on.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we need not fear people and their opinions, but rather we need to trust in You. Thank You that we have been created and called with purpose. Forgive us for allowing the opinions of others to give fear a foothold. Show us how to listen to Your voice and trust in the truth of Your word. Teach us to love those around us in a way that encourages trust and chases away fear so that all might persevere. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we recognize the truth of who You are and silence the fears that are not founded in truth. Amen.

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

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? – Psalm 118:6