For though the fig tree blossom not nor fruit be on the vines, though the yield of the olive fail and the terraces produce no nourishment,
though the flock disappear from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet will I rejoice in the Lord and exult in my saving God. -Habakkuk 3:17-18
In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. -Luke 1:78-79
These two bits from Morning Prayer sort of shined through to me as I prayed them. They are kind of "light in the darkness" sections. This happens to me often, even when I've allowed my habit to break of praying the Office for a bit - I step back in and God is waiting there for me. He always knows where I am, where my mind and heart are open, where they are closed. Even then, He holds the keys to every door.
We know this - He is faithful even when we are unfaithful. If this were not true, even what hope we had would be in vain. But it is not in vain.
Often, I believe, we think of "those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death" as "someone else." Those poor people. Really, it's all of us, to one degree or another. Progressively, hopefully, we are being shown and we see more of His Light. He shines in our darkness and we are transformed, healed, made whole. And His Peace awaits us - and I'm not talking about "heaven" here - rather, the Peace of God which can and will fill and take hold of us right now. The fullness of God's Life is not for the sweet by and by. It may end up there, but that fullness is His will for us now, that our lives would be transformed now - not for a special few, but for all of us. May the tender compassion of our God continue to shine on our darkness.
January 08, 2010
> 10:50 AM
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