Simply Soul Searching
HOW IS GOD LOVING ME – AND WHERE IS GOD LEADING ME?
Hope in the Darkness- Friday, December 8th
WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS
The Glimmer of Starlight
Psalm 19:1 (NRSV)
The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
The last time we visited Jim’s boyhood home in Little Mountain, we stood outside and gazed at the stars. In the country, away from street lights and porch lights, we were able to see so many stars- and even a ‘shooting star’ meteor race across the sky! Isn’t the universe so wondrous, infinite and amazing? We are unable to comprehend it all! These starry nights lead me to feel very small and insignificant. God’s creation is huge- and I am humbled.
In these moments, I marvel that God loves even me. God loves this one person in this one place on this one earth in this one universe in the infinity of universes we call “space.” The thought makes me consider my problems as quite unimportant! Yet, God loves me and even cares about my smallest concern. THAT is infinite love.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” When our life is darkened by despair or anxiety, when we are humbled by our brokenness, God’s awesome, infinite love and power can be more clearly seen. God has created this wondrous universe. Surely God can help us with our needs.
Hope shines in God’s magnificence and majesty.
Hope in the Darkness- Thursday, December 7th
WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS
The Glimmer of a Nightlight
Psalm 27:1 (NRSV)
The Lord is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?
Night lights can be such a gift for parents of children! These tiny lights seem to keep those ‘monsters’ away. Night lights enable children to see their surroundings better while making the shadows less dark and threatening. The soft glow of a night light provides enough light for children to see, but usually not enough to disturb their sleep. Another comforting benefit is that children are assured that they can be seen by those who are watching over them. They know they are being protected by loving guardians who will look in on them throughout the night.
We can all be assured that God is watching over us. With or without a night light, we know that we are seen and loved. All night long. Through every darkness, God still sees us, comforts us, holds us, and helps us. We can rest more easily, knowing that, no matter what, God is the stronghold of our lives, and there is no need to be afraid.
Today we have hope because God’s love shines on us to brighten our deepest darkness. We have hope in knowing that we are always seen by our God who cares for us more than we can comprehend or imagine. We have hope because we can sleep peacefully through the darkest night under God’s watchful gaze.
Hope shines under God’s watchful, loving gaze.
Hope in the Darkness- Wednesday, December 6th
WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS
The Gleam of a Lighthouse Beacon
Isaiah 43:1-2 (NRSV)
But now thus says the Lord…
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…
Daily living can be much like navigating boats upon the sea. When our days are going smoothly, we feel we can take on the world. The conditions are perfect- sunny skies, light breezes, calm waters- and we become eager to sail out and enjoy the views. (How often do we mistakenly believe that our smooth sailing has come from our skill and expertise, when in reality we have been enabled by perfect conditions?) Sometimes we may venture too far. We float or sail or motor away in our boats of self-sufficiency into unknown deeper waters. We become SO courageous and confident in ourselves, we forget our frailty, and eventually we are in “over our heads.” Darkness sets in, and we find ourselves caught in a fog of failure, a storm of stress, or a tempest of trials.
Like the lighthouse on the stormy seas, God keeps shining through the darkness, guiding us, leading us home. Like the lighthouse, God remains steadfast and certain, while we recklessly venture into those deep and dark waters. Like the lighthouse, God beckons us back, calling each of us by name until we are safely home. We only need to keep facing the Light. Keep heading toward the Light. Keep following the Light and we will all be led safely back to shore. This is where we find our hope today.
Hope shines because of God’s steadfast faithfulness.
Hope in the Darkness- Tuesday, December 5th
WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS
THE GLEAM OF A LANTERN
Psalm 119:105 (NRSV)
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
Those of us who have camped outdoors at night can appreciate the power of a ‘lamp for our feet!’ As we walk through the unfamiliar darkness we could easily stumble over obstacles or wander in the wrong direction. It would be unwise to walk blindly ahead on our own, without any assistance. So it is with the paths we walk every day, as well as the longer journey of life itself. We need help to choose the better routes, to see with clarity the obstacles before us (or within us!), and to walk more confidently and steadily.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet…” This verse is so descriptive of God’s provision for us. God’s word in the scriptures, along with God’s Word lovingly shown through Jesus, help guide our steps every day. One interesting aspect of this verse is that we are only given a lamp for our feet. God is not shining a bright spotlight far down the path ahead. When Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow,” he meant that. God’s Word and love are for this present moment. It is enough to know and feel God’s loving guidance, re-direction, and strength for our very next step. We can journey on, one step at a time, confident in God’s caring provision all along the way.
Today, let’s take a few moments to thank God for providing for us in the past. Let’s also notice how God is providing for us right now. As we do so, we will find our hope for every next step, for every unknown path that lies ahead.
Hope shines in God’s sufficient provision.
Hope in the Darkness- Monday, December 4th
WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS
THE GLIMMER OF A CANDLE
Psalm 62:5 (NRSV)
For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.
A few Sundays ago Pastor Mike explained that the lighted Christ candle in our worship space is a symbol of Christ’s presence among us. He reminded us that Jesus’ presence is everywhere- not just in our worship space- but all around us and within us. The candle flame represents Jesus, who is the Light of our world.
There IS something so beautifully quiet, peaceful and holy in a candle flame. I often light a candle when I want to be reminded of the presence of Christ, when I want to keep someone in prayer, or when I want to remain aware that I am called to be Jesus’ love for others. The small flame can light up even the darkest room. The soft scent of the candle also permeates the room as a gentle reminder that I am the aroma of Christ.
We become so busy during the Advent season, with preparations, decorations, parties, events, and travels – along with our usual busy routines – quickly filling our days. Because we are distracted by schedules and festivities, we often miss Jesus’ presence among and within us. Christ is present always and everywhere, but we are too busy to notice.
Light the candle of hope and take a moment to just be still. Sit quietly in the presence of God in Christ. We were reminded yesterday that as we await the Dawn of Light, we know in our hearts that the Dawn has come. Our hope is here, now, even in the darkness. If we still ourselves long enough to notice, we will feel God’s presence, once again giving us hope for each new day. You may like to keep a candle burning throughout the day as a gentle reminder that you could be God’s hope-filled presence for someone else, too.
Hope shines in God’s constant presence.
The First Sunday of Advent, December 3rd
HOPE GLIMMERS IN THE DARKNESS: WAITING WITH HOPE
Scripture for the First Sunday in Advent
Isaiah 64:1-9
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37
All of today’s scripture verses include pleas for help- “Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down” (Isaiah 64:1), pleas for restoration- “Restore us, O God… let your face shine that we may be saved” (Psalm 80:3) and an admonition to keep alert- “Be aware, keep alert, for you do not know when the time will come” (Mark 13:33). Even though these verses were written many years ago, they are just as pertinent for our days here and now. We are imperfect people living in a broken world, and we earnestly seek- no, we desperately need- the hope of God’s restoration and presence for each new day.
God gives us that hope. Always we are promised that “God is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9). God has shown us so generously through Jesus that God’s love is for us, God’s love will restore us, and God’s presence is always with us. Perhaps the instruction to “Keep alert!” is actually a promise that we will see God coming to us even in this moment, if we only pay attention!
“Hope is not only found in the dawning of the new day, but in our trust- even in the darkest night- that the dawn will indeed come.” (KLW)
ADVENT WREATH/CANDLES
Turn off the lights and sit in darkness for a few minutes…
What worldly concerns might be bringing darkness into your spirit? Where do you need God’s restoration? Are you discouraged or frustrated? Is there an area in your life in which you lack clarity or purpose? In what areas of your life do you especially need God’s presence? Bring these before God and ask God to replace your concerns with the hope in Christ that only God can give.
Light the first candle, the candle of Hope.
In the darkness as we await the dawn, we know these things: the dawn has come before, the dawn will come again, and the dawn never fails to come to us every day. And so it is with Jesus. This season, as we watch for Jesus, the Dawn of Light, we know that he has come before, he will come again, and he continues to come to us, every day.
This is our reason for hope. Like the dawn, God has shown us through Jesus that God always comes to us. God comes to us, anyway. The conditions aren’t perfect, we aren’t perfect, the timing isn’t perfect, and still God comes. God comes in our darkest nights. God comes in our darkest times of illness, grief, uncertainty, sinfulness, or anxiety. God gives us Jesus, our Dawn of Light, for every day of our lives, forever.
The moon is full on this 1st Sunday in Advent. Doesn’t this serve as a wonderful reminder that God gives us hope in the darkness?
God who brings us the Dawn of Light,
Thank you for this special season, as we watch for your gift, your Son, Jesus. Help us to make the most of this time of watching and waiting. Open our hearts to recognize all the ways you give us hope, the ways you are our hope. May we live with such hope that others may also find their hope in you. Amen.
ADVENT: Watching for the Dawn of Light- Introduction
John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
When I mentioned to Pastor Michael my idea of writing Advent devotions around a variety of lights, he thought of the image of Jesus coming as the Dawn of Light upon our darkness. How beautifully this Dawn of Light will guide our time of Advent waiting! We will watch and wait for Jesus as we would watch for the dawn, by moving through the deep night, to the early glow of light, to the first peek of the sun, to the full dawn of day.
Each week, our Advent candles and devotions will focus on the hope, love, joy and peace that Jesus brings. You’re invited to use an Advent wreath as part of your devotional time, or simply use four candles arranged around the Christ candle in the center. On Sunday, there will be a candle-lighting devotion based on our theme of moving from the darkness to the dawn. From Monday through Friday our devotions will focus on a variety of lights and how they bring to mind the blessings God shares with us in the gift of Jesus. Saturdays will be times of reflection, or a chance to “catch up” if you’ve missed any devotions earlier in the week.
Jesus came to us and continues to come to us as the Light of the world. This Advent, may we all grow in our awareness of the loving presence of God-with-us: Jesus, our bright Dawn of Light upon our darkness.
(On a personal note, these devotions are written as a “thank you” gift to my new friends of St. John. You have blessed Jim and me so much as we make West Virginia our new home. You all have been lights of Christ for us. May you feel blessed by the hope, love, joy and peace we have- all because of Jesus!)
Advent Begins this Sunday!
Dear Friends,
I am blessed to be writing Advent devotions for our new faith community, St. John United Methodist Church in Scott Depot, WV. If you would like to prepare your heart and renew your spirit as we await Jesus, our Light of the world, I will be sharing these devotions here at Simply Soul Searching. “Watching for the Dawn of Light” begins this Sunday, December 3rd, with an Introduction on Friday the 1st. The devotions will continue each day (except Saturdays) through the end of the month. The Sunday devotions will include lighting an Advent wreath. If you like, you may simply use four candles and a larger Christ candle.
May our hearts be transformed during this special season, as we move from darkness into the full Dawn of Light!
Thankful Enough…
MAY WE BE THANKFUL ENOUGH…
for every day of life,
that we appreciate each moment and fully embrace the day
for each new morning,
that we awaken with eager anticipation
for the bright midday,
that we remain useful, capable and mindful
for the gentle eventide,
that we quiet ourselves to rest in your peaceful sleep
for the seasons,
that we see your glory through the variety and lessons of nature
for the generous gifts you have given us,
that we generously share them with others
for our warm beds, coats and clothing,
that we provide warmth for everyone
for our sufficient finances,
that we find the gifts of simplicity as well as the gifts of benevolence
for our homes,
that we open our doors in welcoming hospitality
for our delicious Thanksgiving meal,
that we ensure all people have generous and plentiful plates
for our family and friends,
that we consider each one as a precious, beloved treasure
for the strangers we do not yet know,
that we see each encounter as holy
for our faith communities,
that we serve and love one another as we share your love in the world
for our health,
that we care for our bodies and tend them as your temples
for those around us,
that we honor and respect their bodies as your temples, too
for your steadfast faithfulness,
that we act with great courage to make a difference for good
for our inner souls and countenances,
that we reflect your beauty and radiance
for your goodness,
that we strive to be good ourselves
for your presence,
that we may be your presence for others
for our vocation,
that we are reliable and responsible, serving with integrity
for our beautiful creation,
that we tenderly steward all of life and all of nature
for artwork and artists,
that we delight in the work and affirm the creator
for music,
that we sing with joy every song that touches our souls
for the intellect and insights of others,
that we silence ourselves to listen
for the talents you have given us,
that we humbly use them for your glory
for your Word and your Spirit,
that we earnestly and genuinely seek your guidance
for your universal love for all,
that we love everyone universally
for ALL these gifts,
that we keep thanking you, God –
completely, wholly, with our entire being, for our entire lives
May this be so. Amen.
Raising Others, Rising Together
(Photo credit: ForestWander, http://www.lovethesepics.com)
After living nearly 60 years on the flat land of northwest Ohio, our new home among the hills of West Virginia brings a delightful change of scenery and perspective. During these days of autumn, I have noticed the way so many trees are revealed because they are staggered upward on the hills. I have marveled at the splendid array of rich burgundies, fiery reds, bright oranges, sunny yellows, earthy browns and verdant greens covering the hillsides. Because of the hills, we have been able to see more trees displaying their true colors and uniting to create a gorgeous palette of autumn splendor! The trees are beautiful in Toledo, but often we are only able to enjoy the ‘front-runners’- those trees that are positioned ahead of the others and whose beauty is unobstructed.
These hillside scenes speak to me of our calling to lift up others; to offer a boost that enables another to genuinely share and shine in this world. I think of how risers on a stage enhance vocal choir performances. Each unique voice is needed to make the song complete. No voice is lesser than another, but the risers help elevate and position each person so that all voices can be heard. The risers enable the vocalists to follow the director’s lead and help the singers to hear one another. The risers also help the audience to hear, recognize, and acknowledge each vocalist with smiles, nods and applause. A few small ‘boosts’ facilitate the performance for everyone- the vocalists, the audience, and the director.
How might we help raise those who have remained hidden behind the eye-catching front-runners, so that their beauty and worth are revealed and appreciated, too? Who might receive a boost if we were to share words of confidence or encouragement, supply financial or personal assistance, open a door to a new opportunity, listen and guide to offer direction, or be a caring friend? How can we elevate others to the proper level in which their beautiful gifts are fully revealed and unobstructed? Is there a way to lift someone just a bit- so that they may also contribute to the good of the whole?
All of us have unique and beautiful gifts to share. Gifts that God needs in order to create a colorful masterpiece of humanity. Gifts that God needs in order to create a glorious song for the universe. The work we do in raising one another will result in all of us rising together. We will rise in greater teamwork, in stronger unity, and in mutual generosity. We will be enabled to share all of our unique and necessary gifts. We may even be able to follow our “Director” better. We will rise in beauty and glory, as we become God’s diverse and colorful tapestry of humanity… God’s glorious and awesome song of joyful harmony.
Simply Soul Searching 