Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me. Psalm 23:4
…..weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
The Psalms offer much hope in the midst of calamity and chaos. Every morning I have started a routine of listening to the news for about 30 minutes. I say to my smartphone, “Good Morning Google” and it quickly gives me all the information regarding time, weather and other pertinent information. It then gives the days news, along with other interest stories. About a month ago I heard an encouraging message from a Rabbi. The interviewer asked him for words of inspiration during this pandemic season, and he went directly to the 23rd Psalm where he talked about “walking through the valley.” As bad as things may seem to be, we are walking through, which means that we will get past these times to the other side.
The Rabbi continued to direct the scripture and mentioned the presence of shadows. “If there are shadows, he exclaimed, “then there is light somewhere.” These words were an encouragement to me and reminded me that we are the light of the world. In the midst of darkness we have an opportunity to be light. During this Advent season, we remember the light and how it guides our path.
“Walk in the light, beautiful light;
Come where His love and His mercy are bright.
Shine all around us by day and by night,
Jesus, the Light of the world.”
James Calhoun
Gracious God, we thank you for leading us through the trials of life to places full of love and light. We thank you that after the darkness, dawn is soon to follow with its joy. Amen