Darkness and Light

All is well.
My anchor holds.
God is good.
I have peace.
Jesus heals.

These are phrases I use regularly these days. I believe the words. As I write these words down in the middle of the night I feel again like the father of the possessed boy… “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.”

Because the challenges come. Holes are poked in our faith. We’re reminded that we’re human - flawed, limited, imperfect. The voices I hear in the middle of the night are the loudest sometimes. That pain in my side gets into my head - “healing isn’t coming, what makes you so special that you think you deserve healing?” A moment of correction rings out, repeating itself, creating doubt in my ability to serve and shepherd well. Simple mistakes brought to mind take on a life of their own and grow and spin and morph into something bigger. Questions come, worries accumulate, the noise gets overwhelming as I stare into the darkness.

But… Light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light.”
‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭CEB‬‬

Who am I, God that you are mindful of me? Maybe that’s the wrong question.

Who are YOU, Lord of creation, that you draw me out of my challenges and remind me that you are near? Who are YOU, Prince of Peace, that you have paid it all for us so we can call on your name in the darkness? Who are YOU, Spirit of Truth, that you quiet the noise and shine light in the darkness that surrounds and tries to overtake and distract us from your mercy and grace and love?

You LORD, are the object of my worship. You LORD, are the messenger of perfect peace. You LORD, are the light that shines in the darkness and reminds me that the voices of challenge will come. Faith will be tested. But, You, Lord, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith advocates for us still today. And if you are for us, who can stand against us?

So, help me Lord, to take the thoughts and the correction and the reminders of my humanity, and order them rightly. I pray, do not let the circumstances of life be overwhelming, but instead be guideposts on the journey - opportunities for reflection and positive growth in Your likeness, Lord. Guide me forward by your grace. May this journey bring You honor and glory. Thank you for being Light in the darkness.

The challenges come. And You promise to be with us, to comfort, and to guide us. And You are faithful. So we can say…

All is well.
My anchor holds.
God is good.
I have peace.
Jesus heals.