Peace in the Dawn of the New Day- Wednesday, December 27th

WEEK FOUR: PEACE IN THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY

The Light of a Desk Lamp

Psalm 119:130 (NRSV)

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 

A few months before I learned I had cancer, I read The Artist’s Way series by Julia Cameron. The books are written to help artists discover and enhance their creativity, and I love how Julia emphasizes the spirituality in creativity. She encourages the practice of writing “morning pages.” Every morning, before doing anything else, we are to write our free-flowing thoughts on three pages. I began writing these morning pages a few years ago, and they have become an integral part of my contemplative, prayer time with God. Every morning I have a cup of coffee, turn on my desk lamp, and begin writing.

I understand now how God led me to begin this practice, so that I was better prepared to face my cancer. Beginning the day fresh with God is such a centering, reflective, wisdom-filled time. God’s word for me each morning gives me understanding and focus for the day (after all, it even gives understanding to the “simple!”). All through the joys and trials of my time with cancer, God gave me that peace beyond understanding. Spending time in honest reflection with God each morning helped carry me through.

God’s word comes to us in many ways. You may not enjoy writing. But we may read God’s Word in the Bible. We may hear a Word from God in a conversation or music. We may see God’s Word in nature and life. God’s Word comes to us each time we listen or watch for it. God’s Word now has especially come to us as Jesus! God’s Word gives us light for each day. God’s Word gives us peace for each day.

God’s peace shines as we begin each day with God and God’s word.