“For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the LORD. So live as people of light!” Ephesians 5:8 (NIV)
Sit in The Light
Welcome to my view this morning. I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet and normally, I wouldn’t have a tree up this early; but this year is anything but normal! I don’t know about the weather where you are, but yesterday just felt heavy. The dark, dreary sky was there when I opened the blinds and remained until I closed them again. The day seemed to hold a hope of rain, but even that didn’t come. Dark, dreary, deferred hope…..sounds an awful like life these days.
Guess what? I just wanted to sit and wallow in my own gloom. Disappointment, grief, frustration, fear, stress, exhaustion….we are all experiencing things that have us feeling downhearted and that’s exactly where I was. So, searching for a little joy, I decided to put up a tree and this morning, here I am sitting in the light. Can you see where this might be going?
“Why am I so discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God!” Psalm 43:5 (NLT)
“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness.’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 (NLT)
I needed this tree to remind me and maybe it’s reminding you, that no matter what the day is like, what happens or doesn’t, or how dark it feels, we have The Light! He is our Hope, Joy, and our Power!
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have that light that leads to life.” John 8:12 (NLT)
I pray that you and I sit and walk in The Light this week. (No tree needed) And guess what? When we do, we can then BE the light for those in darkness around us!
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Joining again this week with the others at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com writing to the prompt “Grief”. There is so much grief right now, even for those like me who’s life hasn’t changed that much as a result of the pandemic. These verses encourage me, I pray they do you, too. At this time of Thanksgiving and always, I’m ever so grateful for your presence here!
Yes! I love extra twinkle lights for the same reason! The reminder of the Light ❤
Thanks for sharing those encouraging words. Isolation has really gotten me down, and I’ve been debating whether or not to put anything up for Christmas this year since no one except me will see it.
(Visiting from #30)
Your words reminded us that in times of grief we should still worship and be thankful. I’ve had a particularly interesting year, pandemic aside. So much happening, little time to grieve the losses, but opportunities to worship for the new things, especially the things that inspire change or times of reflection. What a beautiful thing, to put up light in a dark time and just bask in His light! Thank you for sharing!
ElizaMae, I LOVE your insight here! I’m one to cling to normal and not embrace change. The thought of change as an opportunity for worship is so encouraging! I appreciate you taking your time to stop in and comment. Your words have touched me today.
Oh Sandra, I can relate! I can encourage you tho, that these few white lights have lifted my spirits and I’m hoping you can find something to put up that will do the same for you! I so appreciate you stopping in!
Beautiful, Cindy! Both your words and your tree! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you so much Pam! Your kind words mean the world to me!
Black and silent all around
here in cancer’s night;
praise-songs sung without a sound,
torches without light.
I sit here in the sitting-room,
and warmth is not remembered,
only dank and cold and gloom,
a nightmare of December.
And suddenly, a tiny spark
of light, perhaps of hope,
stands against the boundless dark,
and now my soul can cope
with what yet may lie ahead;
flame’s miracle has banished dread.
Andrew, your faith through your poetry inspires us all!
Cindy, you honour me beyond words, beyond thought.
Thank you.