God really knows and cares about every detail of our day and every tear of our night. It might be midnight in your soul even when the sun is breaking out on the horizon. But our living hope is in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the light that cuts a path through our darkness and shines all the way to dawn at Heaven’s door!
There’s a light in the valley
of death now for me
Since Jesus came into my heart!
Rufus McDaniel 1914
Are you passing through what feels like the longest and darkest valley in your life today? David tells us in Psalm 23 that He won’t fear in that darkness because he knows that his shepherd is always with him. Jesus goes even further when be says that if we are following Him we will never walk in darkness!
Oh but does it feel like a dark and confusing time? Yes for me too brother. Today dark clouds sit on my horizon also sister. But in this valley God’s promise is more true than ever. He Himself is the light. We must confront our fear and refuse to run! The light is shining only on the path ahead and that light is our Lord Jesus Christ. He longs to not only be the light of the world; He offers to be the light of yours and my world. Only He knows the way to the other side of our valley. Take a deep breath, calm your racing heart and in faith just keep taking one step at a time behind your Savior. He is more than only the light if the world – He is also the light of life!
How many times have we sung ‘This little light of mine?” forgetting that the verse comes at the end of the beatitudes? Contrary to general opinion Jesus wasn’t saying “Go out and smile all day” or ” Try being nice to your neighbor.” Jesus was taking a highlighter to the verses just before and dramatically days ” Put this into practice!”
Today as the first day of Lent consider putting into practice at least one verse each day. Be careful to ask God for help because not one of us can do these without Him. Why not begin today by treating others with the humility that comes from recognising that our only resource is from God? Then tomorrow allow the tears of others to become our own. On Friday work on being less quick to be a “know it all”. Saturday allow God’s passion for justice to guide your actions rather than what’s profitable and pleasing to you. If this Sunday others hurt us, may we remember how God has forgiven us for the evil we have done and be quick to pass His mercy along. Monday be watchful over your motives asking yourself if your words and actions reflect God’s heart or if they are manipulating people for our own advantage. Next Tuesday rather than stirring up debate be ready to be a bridge that connects people to God. By Wednesday of next week may we be willing and prepared with a joyful attitude to accept rejection, anger or even punishment so that others may see the light which Jesus Christ has lit in our hearts! If we put into practice these unexpected and even radical teachings of Christ who knows what blessings may follow in our paths?
praise2worshipdotnet 
You must be logged in to post a comment.