Be Our Strength

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. – (Ephesians 6:10, NIV)

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and He wants you strong. – (Ephesians 6:10, MSG)

Now my beloved ones, I have saved these most important truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of His explosive power flowing in and through you. – (Ephesians 6:10, TPT)

 

If anyone can speak truth into our lives as we are limited in what we can safely and wisely do, it is Paul, through his letter to the church in Ephesus. Paul was writing from a Roman prison, encouraging all to find strength in God. His reminder to us is that as we are invested in our walk with God, His strength will rise up in us and flow through us, in all things. In a space of rapidly increasing restrictions and limited availability, there are still a plethora of freedoms that we are granted that Paul did not experience in a Roman prison. We are able to communicate with loved ones, near and far; we are able to get outdoors and take in the fresh air and move. Technology grants us access to far more than ever before, even in as much as the opportunity to worship together, separately, from our own homes, with our own congregations, online. No, it doesn’t look the same, but it is far better than the space Paul was in, and likewise, far better than the confines of a hospital bed, fighting for life. In this time of being primarily home bound, there is room to grow closer to our family, with whom we reside, and time to invest in things that we seldom otherwise do. Yesterday, I walked around the perimeter of our yard and snapped some photos, choosing to be intentional as I looked through the lens. I found great delight in observing how the light and shadows danced among plants ready to bloom, and soaked in the sunshine that has been present all week. Our evening ended with a family game night, and our middle son dominated at Dominoes. Smiles were on each face around the table, and there was a sweet peace in one another’s presence as we laughed and played together. God is so good, and His strength is granted as we trust and depend on Him in all things, great and small.

 

Be strong in the Lord, DSC00007

For that is how strength;

Rises within us,

And reaches great lengths.

As we trust in Him,

For life, love and grace;

He meets and equips,

To run well, our race.

Trust in His goodness,

Look around and see;

He’s ever faithful,

Watch and you’ll agree.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that Your strength is limitless and Your love, boundless. Thank You that You make us strong as we seek You. Forgive us for our lack of faith when times are tough. Teach us to trust You, no matter what we see. Show us how to love in the strength You give us, so that others may come to know the abundance of Your great love. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and trust in You to be our strength all of our days. Amen.

 

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

 

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Pray and Praise Always

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. – (James 5:13)

 

No matter our circumstances, our response should be to run to the Lord. If trouble, seek His help. If joy, give Him thanks and praise. In all things and at all times, God is near and He is still good. He is available and present to help and hear our every offering of gratitude. Every circumstance offers us the opportunity to grow in His grace, if we choose to rely on Him. Through perseverance, we gain insight to the Lord’s power and might, despite our own lack. When we sing songs of praise, we gain a glimpse of the glory that is yet to come, when we will one day join in the chorus of heavenly hosts that worship together before the very throne of God. May we turn to trust in He who deserves all of our trust and praise, in all things and at all times.

 

When troubles do come,

Artwork by Sylvia Carlton

Artwork by Sylvia Carlton

let us turn and pray;

for the Lord will help,

He’s promised to stay.

When great joy abounds,

let’s sing songs of praise;

to the Lord above,

let our voices raise.

No matter what comes,

let’s run to the Lord;

for He is our help,

all grace He affords.

May we offer up,

everything we are;

to honor and serve,

our great Morning Star.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that we can come to You in times of trouble and times of joy. Thank You that You are available and ready to hear our prayers and praise, no matter what our circumstance. Thank You that You are merciful and full of compassion. Forgive us for not seeking You in times of trouble, or not offering You praise when we are full of joy. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will come before You in all things and at all times, offering You the first of whatever is going on in our lives. Lead us to love others well, so that they may see You in us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You, Lord. Be exalted O God, as we pray and praise You throughout all of our days. Amen.

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

But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ. – Ephesians 2:4-5