Monday, January 22, 2007
Treasures in Darkness
“And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.” Isaiah 45:3
The ice storm of the century hit the Ozarks last week causing downed trees, limbs and power lines. I was without electrical power for more than a week. During this time life consisted of simple survival. Without the benefit of electricity, the daylight hours became precious as I welcomed the dawn each morning and dreaded sunset when once again the darkness closed in.
During this time, I learned some things—like how to start and keep a fire going in the fireplace! I can do more than I thought I could—like split wood. I discovered I can tolerate cooler temperatures. Because of the forced darkness, my refrigerator got a complete cleaning, I had the chance to help neighbors, a chance for more time spent with family without the television. I learned to be more thankful for the modern conveniences we all take for granted and to appreciate simple things like candles, batteries, books.
It seems an unlikely place, but there are treasures in darkness. “The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.” (2 Chronicles 6:1) Even though I don't enjoy trials, I must admit that there are things learned in this place that could only be learned in darkness. It is the place of knowing God on a deeper level and coming to a greater understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Facing the darkness brings me closer to the Light.
The ice storm of the century hit the Ozarks last week causing downed trees, limbs and power lines. I was without electrical power for more than a week. During this time life consisted of simple survival. Without the benefit of electricity, the daylight hours became precious as I welcomed the dawn each morning and dreaded sunset when once again the darkness closed in.
During this time, I learned some things—like how to start and keep a fire going in the fireplace! I can do more than I thought I could—like split wood. I discovered I can tolerate cooler temperatures. Because of the forced darkness, my refrigerator got a complete cleaning, I had the chance to help neighbors, a chance for more time spent with family without the television. I learned to be more thankful for the modern conveniences we all take for granted and to appreciate simple things like candles, batteries, books.
It seems an unlikely place, but there are treasures in darkness. “The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness.” (2 Chronicles 6:1) Even though I don't enjoy trials, I must admit that there are things learned in this place that could only be learned in darkness. It is the place of knowing God on a deeper level and coming to a greater understanding of my own strengths and weaknesses. Facing the darkness brings me closer to the Light.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Giving God the pen
“The Lord of hosts has sworn: As I have planned so shall it be. As I have purposed, so shall it stand.” Isaiah 14:24
It’s a new year. Time to break out a new calendar and begin writing in the appointments and plans for the coming days and months. I must admit that it’s with some apprehension that I even attempt to imagine what this new year will bring. Certainly the past several years have not gone as “I” planned. I used to look forward to a new year with it’s chance to start fresh and try again to accomplish some noble goals. I made my plans and boldly wrote them in pen, only to scratch them out when God’s appointments were made known.
In keeping with these thoughts, I found it amusing that I received an interesting desk calendar for Christmas: it has a crossword puzzle for each day which I will, of course, work out in pencil. I would like to think that I can do the puzzles in pen, but I know myself! There is a chance I will make a mistake. So if I’m that careful with a silly game, how much more careful should I be in planning my life? Even while I grieve for those I have lost, I yearn to have hopes and dreams for brighter days ahead. But I dare not take the pen. No, give me a pencil. I’m giving God the pen.
It’s a new year. Time to break out a new calendar and begin writing in the appointments and plans for the coming days and months. I must admit that it’s with some apprehension that I even attempt to imagine what this new year will bring. Certainly the past several years have not gone as “I” planned. I used to look forward to a new year with it’s chance to start fresh and try again to accomplish some noble goals. I made my plans and boldly wrote them in pen, only to scratch them out when God’s appointments were made known.
In keeping with these thoughts, I found it amusing that I received an interesting desk calendar for Christmas: it has a crossword puzzle for each day which I will, of course, work out in pencil. I would like to think that I can do the puzzles in pen, but I know myself! There is a chance I will make a mistake. So if I’m that careful with a silly game, how much more careful should I be in planning my life? Even while I grieve for those I have lost, I yearn to have hopes and dreams for brighter days ahead. But I dare not take the pen. No, give me a pencil. I’m giving God the pen.