Spirituality

Tender mercy

Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and guide us to the path of peace.

Luke 1:78-79

There is such profound love and promise in this verse. 

Morning light

This morning, as light streaks across the sky, as you awake to what lies ahead today, know this – God’s tender mercy is with you. 

Zechariah prophesying about Jesus in the book of Luke says, “the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us.” I find the phrase “is about to break upon us,” so beautiful. I picture standing under a crystalline waterfall, the water breaking, washing over me, warm, refreshing and invigorating. Ephesians 5:26, says we are made clean by “the washing of the word.” Jesus, the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth. John 1:14. This is the light breaking upon us. Jesus, Himself the light. He said, “I am the light of the world…” John 8:12.

This darkness

Though the shadows hover you, the Light of the World breaks through the cracks in this darkness, in this brokenness. As the poet Leonard Cohen put it, so poignant and clear, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”

So, whatever heartache, sorrow, difficulty or grief you are facing you have this assurance, gentle, strong and sure – He will “give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death.”

Path of peace

And more than that – when our hearts are sore, when we are fretting, when we cannot seem to see the way ahead – He will “guide us to the path of peace.” Psalm 119: 105, reiterates this – “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” The whisper of His Spirit to our hurting, broken hearts, “I will lead you and I will guide you, for I am with you, now and always.” How kind and compassionate this loving promise.

Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.”

John 14:27.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

So, I turn to Him – offer Him my sorrow, my pain, the troubles of my heart. My hands tightly fisted, I open – let go – give Him too, my fear.

I sit quiet now – close my eyes.  Breathe in His presence, here and now. With you, with me – never forsaken, never alone.

Today, may you feel the breath of His Spirit warm on your face, may your hear His voice, tender yet full of strength. May you hear Him whisper in your ear; 

“Courage, dear heart.”

C. S. Lewis