Believe in All Things

Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, HCSB)

Love is never happy when others do wrong, but it is always happy with the truth. Love never gives up on people. It never stops trusting, never loses hope, and never quits. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, ERV)

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – (1 Corinthians 13:6-7, NIV)

This can be the challenge in love. To bear all things does not mean to just attempt to deal with trials on our own, but rather it is in God’s strength that we are able to still stand when the storms sweep through. Believing all things is to trust in the truth, no matter how things appear; to hope all things is the confidence in knowing Who is ultimately in control. Lastly, to endure all things is to seek Jesus to hold us up and continue, even when circumstances feel impossible. It is Christ in us who will always protect, always trust, always hope and always persevere. When Christ is within us, we delight in what is true. May we ever seek the Lord to lead us in love, for He is love, always.

The love of the Lord,

Photo by Lukas Rodriguez on Pexels.com

Is what leads us home;

No matter how far,

In life we have roamed.

For God’s love endures,

He loves through all things;

Providing us hope,

As strength He does bring.

Strength to choose rise up,

Protection and peace;

Grace to keep going,

Help and hope released.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Thank You that You always protect, we can always trust You, in You we forever have hope, and You provide what we need to persevere. Forgive us for attempting to weather the storms on our own. Teach us to trust and rely on You to provide all that we need to press on. Lead us in Your goodness and strength to do all that You set before us. Show us how to love like You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we trust You to lead us in the light of Your love so that we can extend the same love that You give us to all. 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 paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Peace At All Times

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – (John 16:33, NIV)

“I have told you these things so that you can have peace in Me. In this world you will have troubles. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” – (John 16:33, ERV)

“And everything I’ve taught you is so that the peace which is in me will be in you and will give you great confidence as you rest in Me. For in this unbelieving world you will experience trouble and sorrows, but you must be courageous, for I have conquered the world!” – (John 16:33, TPT)

Jesus came so that we would know His peace, no matter what troubles come our way. We are not guaranteed a trouble-free life, rather, we are promised that He who is our peace will be present, always. The last few years have provided their fair share of trouble. Despite the trials that have come our way, God has shown us His peace, grace and love in tangible ways. All that we go through, Jesus has already experienced. Heartache, loss, frustration, anger, despair – He has been there. Because He knows, He is able to be our peace in the storms. Jesus took it all to the cross, buried it in the grave, and rose so that we would know His hope and peace, no matter what comes our way. God affords us courage when the giants stand before us, for He has already overcome them all. May we turn to Christ in all things, as He is our mighty Prince of Peace.

Though troubles will come,

One thing remains true;

The God of all peace,

Is for me and you.

His grace is enough,

To weather the storms;

He says, “Peace, be still,”

As His love informs.

So, trust in the Lord,

For His peace is true;

Present for us all,

And strength He renews.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though we will face and endure troubles and trials, we can know Your perfect peace in the midst of all. Thank You that Your peace is not dependent on our storms, but rather our storms are in desperate need of Your peace. Forgive us for seeking peace anywhere other than through You. Teach us to turn to You in all things and at all times. Show us how to be ambassadors of peace to those around us. Lead us in love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for Your perfect peace that is ever available when we seek Your presence. Amen.

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

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Unto Him

Humble ourselves,

under the Lord’s hand;

He’ll lift us up,

at the time He’s planned.

Cast all our cares,

anxiousness to Him;

His care covers,

when all seems grim.

Be self-controlled,

forever alert;

foe of our soul,

wants us to get hurt.

Resist his lies,

stand firm in the faith;

we’re not alone,

in needing His grace.

Our Father, God,

who is full of grace;

calls us to Him,

and fuels our faith.

Though there is pain,

it’s just for a while;

we’ll be restored,

embraced as His child.

(Responding to I Peter 5:6-11)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that though there is pain and suffering in this life, it is but a moment when compared to the eternal glory that is yet to come. Thank You that You strengthen and equip us to weather life’s storms, and You grant us the grace to keep seeking Your face. Forgive us for allowing the cares of this world to overwhelm us, and please help us to pass all of our burdens to You. May we walk in the weight of Your grace, and may our lives extend the very same goodness and grace we are given, to all whom we encounter. May many come to know You, as we convey the covering You have provided through Christ. Amen.

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