12312021 Light From Darkness

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God of light. There is more than one way to consider that aspect, but one is that God is able to transform darkness into light, to shine forth even in what seems hopelessly black. “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous” (Psalm 112:4). As I considered this verse one night this week, I was inspired to poetic pursuit, something I haven’t done much in recent years, but this concept seemed worthy.

Light From Darkness

(or Hope for 2022)

 

When life is filled with darkness, and

When hope has disappeared,

When everything that happens turns

Out worse than one had feared,

 

Our God steps in to rescue and

To save the upright hearts.

God turns on every light bulb, and

The darkness quickly parts.

 

The dark of night can oft oppress,

But dawn makes all things right;

Light rises out of darkness, and

Gloom ends in glorious light.

 

Oh, when the rain does finally end -

The rainbow’s splendid ray!

Light springs out of the darkness, and

Despair to hope gives way.

 

This fallen earth will always hold

A vestige of the night,

But in that land that waits on high

Each moment will be bright.

 

How blessed is the man who fears

The great and mighty God;

For him each night will end in day

While praises ring abroad.

As I pondered this concept, I was also reminded of William Cowper’s hymn, originally titled “Joy and peace in believing.” He seems to capture the same concept of arising light, perhaps unanticipated, that God ministers to His suffering servants after a time of difficulty.

Sometimes a light surprises

The Christian while he sings;

It is the LORD who rises

With healing in his wings.

When comforts are declining,

He grants the soul again

A season of clear shining

To cheer it after rain.

Life is often difficult, and it seems that these past years have been excessively so. As we enter a third year of the pandemic, and the weariness of its ramifications, along with the onset of winter (in my hemisphere), my boss’s words seem rather descriptive. She says, “It’s like the winter doldrums times one hundred.” In the midst of whatever challenges your life currently holds, may you richly experience God’s illuminating light bulbs, dazzling daybreaks, and resplendent rainbows. May He truly be your light.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA