Author: astherainandsnow

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery…

“You were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself…’ 

“I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. The desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:1,13-14,16-25a

The open air and mountains call. We cherish freedom, and clamor for it when we sense it being restricted. Our flesh craves freedom, to do what it wants and satisfy its hungers. Christ Jesus died on the cross to win for us a good and godly freedom, His death and resurrection setting us free from the restrictions and requirements of the law and consequent slavery and compulsion of sin. But it is our natural inclination to abuse and misuse this freedom. Only the harnessing of the Holy Spirit sets and holds the right parameters for His gracious gift of freedom to flourish to His glory and others’ good.

For the Christian, all freedom has boundaries inherent in the boundless. Once we belong to Christ we are not free to return to our old life because all has been made new. We may be tempted to serve the devil but we have a new Master. We may loiter at the fence of the old life and feel drawn to cross over to that former realm, but our citizenship has been transferred and we own a fresh identity. These are true truths that both bind us and keep us free. (Hosea 1:10; John 8:36; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 3:20; 1 Peter 2:10)

Allelujah! We are free to say no to pestering doubt, jealousy, idolatry, and selfishness! Praise the Lord! We are free to adventure in love and service, to extend mercy and give generously! Through the power of Christ’s Spirit, we can resist spiritual lethargy, vain pursuits, and dishonoring indulgences. In Him we can get in step with Jesus’s stride and bring forth the Spirit’s fruit. Yielding to His pulls and leading, we will find ourselves enjoying the broad place of freedom that is enclosed by grace within His good, pleasing, and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

Where has my freedom lured me off track? In what situations am I resisting the Spirit’s harness? Would I this day choose to make the most of my ability to love and serve my Lord?

Spirit, bridle all my affections and inclinations that I may not sin, but freely glorify You and serve Your world.

“And above the expanse over their heads there was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like sapphire; and seated above the likeness of a throne was a likeness with a human appearance. And upward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were gleaming metal, like the appearance of fire enclosed all around. And downward from what had the appearance of his waist I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness around him. Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness all around.

“Such was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard the voice of one speaking.

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.’ And… the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard him speaking to me. And he said, ‘Son of man, I send you to the people of Israel, to nations of rebels… impudent and stubborn: I send you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” And whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house) they will know that a prophet has been among them. And you, son of man, be not afraid of them, nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you sit on scorpions. Be not afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, for they are a rebellious house. And you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear, for they are a rebellious house…’

“And he said to me, ‘Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with my words to them.'” Ezekiel 1:26-2:3a,4-7;3:4

Over and beyond us is a throne, radiant in colorful splendor and inexplicable brightness, that is above any other and cannot be shaken. There is nothing like seeing God in his indescribable glory to undo us and put us in our place. We fall silent before His voice, empty of self exertion before His Spirit’s fullness and power, helpless before His help. Once we are in that place and position of humility, wonder, reverent fear and awe, He has our ear, makes us to stand, and penetrates our will. (Isaiah 6:1-5; Daniel 4:3; Ephesians 1:19-21)

God does not promise that the tasks He assigns and the paths He sets before us are easy, but they are good if they are His. Terrifying or challenging as they may be, we are responsible to listen and obey, and He is responsible for the outcome. When we feel our efforts or hard obedience are fruitless, we must remember we are following His call, no matter the results. (3:14-23)

When am I still enough, with eyes wide open, to be hushed before God’s ineffable glory? When was the last time He undid me? Do I even stay long enough for Him to captivate and move my will? When He issues a call that is bold and clear, do I rise, take hold of His power, and obey?

Lord, have sway over all of me, so I obey fully for all of You.

“Come and see what God has done:
    he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.
He turned the sea into dry land;
    they passed through the river on foot.
There did we rejoice in him,
   who rules by his might forever,
whose eyes keep watch on the nations—
    let not the rebellious exalt themselves. 

Bless our God, O peoples;
    let the sound of his praise be heard,
who has kept our soul among the living
    and has not let our feet slip.
For you, O God, have tested us;
    you have tried us as silver is tried.
You brought us into the net;
    you laid a crushing burden on our backs;
you let men ride over our heads;
    we went through fire and through water;
yet you have brought us out to a place of abundance…

Come and hear, all you who fear God,
    and I will tell what he has done for my soul.
I cried to him with my mouth,
    and high praise was on my tongue.
If I had cherished iniquity in my heart,
    the Lord would not have listened.
But truly God has listened;
    he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

Blessed be God,
    because he has not rejected my prayer
    or removed his steadfast love from me!” Psalm 66:5-12,16-20

There is much that shakes our world: governments and kingdoms vie against each other and divide within; tempests threaten and destroy; diseases wrack bodies and minds and families. But with God Almighty at the helm, it can be well with our souls. In His Name, we are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Come and see what He has done! Remember when circumstances were overwhelming, and He made a way? When you did not know how you would endure the pain, the waiting, the loss, and He held back the onslaught and brought you through to the other side, marveling at His grace? Remember when you felt lost, alone, and wondered if He even knew what you suffered, and you realized all the time His eye was on you and He was present to calm and comfort and provide? (Genesis 16:6-13; 1 Kings 17:1-9)

Remember when you almost slipped into bitterness, revenge, despondence, or despair, and He lifted your head and held you firm? Remember when tested with the heat of temptation, an entanglement of a difficult relationship, or burden of concern how He broke open the tight squeeze into a broad place of freedom and grace? Remember how the fire of conviction and flood of guilt and shame led to confession, abundance of mercy, and praise?

Though body and mind be punched and jostled, the soul rests well in God’s strong keeping. When we come, and return, to see all He has done, we can rejoice in His ongoing rule and steadfast love.

In what situations do I need to remind myself that God listens, delivers, and does great things for my soul?

“When peace like a river attendeth my way,
  When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot Thou hast taught me to say,
  ‘It is well, it is well with my soul!’” ~Horatio Gates Spafford (1828-1888)

Blessed be You, my gracious God, for Your keeping of my soul. May it ever praise Your high and holy name.

“Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,
    which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
    Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
    the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!

Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place…
They were like those who swing axes
    in a forest of trees.
And all its carved wood
    they broke down with hatchets and hammers.
They set your sanctuary on fire;
    they profaned the dwelling place of your name,
    bringing it down to the ground.
They said to themselves, ‘We will utterly subdue them’;
    they burned all the meeting places of God in the land…
How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
    Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
    Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!

Yet God my King is from of old,
    working salvation in the midst of the earth.
You divided the sea by your might;
    you broke the heads of the sea monsters on the waters.^..
You split open springs and brooks;
    you dried up ever-flowing streams.
Yours is the day, yours also the night;
    you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
    you have made summer and winter…

Have regard for the covenant,
    for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence…

Arise, O God, defend your cause!” Psalm 74:2-8,10-13,15-17,20,22a

It is never pleasant to choke in the smoke of God’s judgment. It is disheartening, painful, cruel. Every day we encounter effects from the fall in Eden- splinters and crumbles and gut punches from the wrath of God being poured out. In this life we won’t escape the fallout. But we can trust that yet, the Ruler of the ancient skies, the eternal God, is in the midst, working His salvation. (Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 46:5; 68:33; Zephaniah 3:17; Romans 1:18-20)

And it is appropriate and right to cry out. For God to remember. To intervene. To act. To defend His cause. When we cry, we are reminded of the One who hears, and who has set boundaries, and knows the victorious end. We gaze at the holy face that looks down with compassion, omniscience, and wisdom. We are calmed by the One whose strong arms uphold us, and are set at peace by His love.

When faced with harsh circumstances, are we more prone to angst and vitriol at the issues and perpetrators, or confident trust in the Sovereign? Do we more readily criticize and complain and castigate, or put to prayer our anger, wants, and fears, and release them to the One who can act, and will, according to His perfect righteousness? Our assessment of things may be accurate either way, but our attitude will be different. Entrusting them to the Lord will stabilize our emotions and set expectation for His glorious intervention.

Lord, make it my regular practice, in every situation, to call to You, recount Your promises, and believe Your causes. Give me eyes to see Your salvation and faith to trust Your goodness. And may I give You the praise You deserve for every answer.

“But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

“Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart…  And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-4:1,3-11

The clouds were rough putty, smeared unevenly on the pale backdrop of nascent sky, veiling what weather the day would hold. They hid, yet added to, the glory of dawn’s early light. And so the veil that prevents us from grasping the gospel- a thick swath of unbelief that hides, yet makes all the more glorious, the breakthrough power of Christ. Would we really clear every obstacle if we understood each one magnified the beauty of God’s mercy, grace, and deliverance?

God’s Spirit works in and behind the veil. He works in and through our afflictions. He works through miseries to cause recognition of our sin and need for salvation. He works the magnificent, indescribable identity with the life of Christ, the suffering Servant, in our necessary death to self. It is a glory, and testimony to His work, that we would be conduits of His penetrating light. (Isaiah 53:2-12)

In our ministry of mercy, by God’s mercy, to present the gospel to others, we must not lose heart. We keep pursuing, we keep shining, we keep loving so warmly that thick veils may wear thin, hardened exteriors may soften, and blind eyes may see. We present Jesus, whose very ability to fold back the veil of unbelief and quicken the spirit to believe is a glorious shout of victory.

Have we turned to the Lord, with honest unveiled face, and beheld His glory? How are we measuring in ongoing transformation of habits, affections, language, attitudes? What evidence do others observe of God’s surpassing power in us? And how deliberate are we to manifest the life of Jesus in the ways we behave, love, and serve?

Lord, transform me day by day to reflect Your true image. Shine Your light through my life for the sake of Your gospel and glory.

“When he came to Jerusalem to meet [David], the king said to him, ‘Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?’ He answered, ‘O king, my servant deceived me, for [I] said to him, “I will saddle a donkey for myself, that I may go with the king.” For your servant is lame… But my lord the king is like the angel of God; do therefore what seems good to you…’ And [David] said, ‘You and Ziba shall divide the land.’ And Mephibosheth said, ‘Oh, let him take it all, since my lord the king has come safely home.'” 2 Samuel 19:25-27,29-30

“Two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. One said, ‘This woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child… On the third day.., [she] also gave birth. And we were alone… This woman’s son died in the night… And she arose and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked closely.., behold, he was not [my] child.’ But the other woman said, ‘No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours…’

“The king said, ‘Bring me a sword… Divide the living child in two, and give half to one and half to the other.’  The woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, ‘Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.’ But the other said, ‘He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him.’ Then the king answered, ‘Give the living child to the first woman..; she is his mother.’” 1 Kings 3:5-9; 16-22,24-27

We can twist and finagle with positioning and words, but true motives are revealed by actions. For Mephibosheth, material goods and security meant nothing compared with his beloved king ruling from his rightful throne. For Solomon, needed wisdom for Israel took precedence over personal fame and wealth. For the young mother, her child’s very life, not her possessing him, proved her love. They all chose for good, not themselves. (1 Kings 3:5-9)

The world urges us to opt for personal gain over greater good, self over others. ‘You deserve; choose security, benefit, and pleasure.’ But we know such ends are hollow, based on no certainty of what the future holds. To triumph over selfishness we must relinquish our wants to the Lord and allow Him to turn our near-sightedness into a long view, beyond ourselves. The Lord says think forward, love Him and others as ourselves, and seek first His kingdom. This view is not welcomed or promoted in our culture, but it honors our Lord. It will be misunderstood and even criticized, but it is right. (Matthew 6:33; Mark 12:30-31; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 13:5,7-8)

Where do we give lip service to genuine care for others, yet make choices that put ourselves first? Are we really willing to forgo a pleasure or purchase for the sake of another? When do we purport to uphold truth, but deceive with ‘fibs’ in order to ‘look good,’ or to forward our own agenda? Do we say we value justice, but in reality want it for those despicable others, but only mercy for ourselves? (Romans 14:7,13-15; 1 Corinthians 8:9)

Spirit, have sway in the deepest recesses of my heart, over my impulses and consequent choices, so Life All About Me becomes Life All About Thee. (Psalm 139:23-24)

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us… But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also…

“This benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.” 2 Corinthians 8:1-5,7,10-12

God does not need us to do what He does. He who owns the cattle on a thousand hills can send daily manna to the hungry. But by His design and for our good, He includes us in His provision for His people. His teaching us both the give and take of supply enfolds us in a divine union with the church and a wide chorus of praise. It massages our hearts to health, exercises faith muscles to strength, and stretches our compassion to broader influence. (Exodus 16:4; Psalm 50:10; 68:10)

It is God who inspires with holy passion, and He who receives the glory when we deliberately act on that passion. He stokes and tweaks our desire, takes what we offer, and multiplies it to meet needs and garner thanksgiving and praise. (John 6:5-11; 2 Corinthians 9:6-13a)

When we see all that abounds from the yielded heart, why would we not beg for the favor of participating in the Almighty’s work? What should keep us from looking for every opportunity to be a part of His supernatural activity, to contribute effectively, to participate in prayer and share our bounty of resources and time?

Much bounty flows from shared generosity, showering on everyone involved- giver, receiver, observer, and Owner of it all- heightened joy and awe of God.

For what will we beg God the favor of doing or giving today? How might He fill my open, empty hands with goods, or my mouth with blessing, for others? Would I take time in prayer to ask Him to sharpen my sensitivities to better stewardship? What busy and clutter can I clear away from before my eyes so I can clearly see needs around me? Would I prepare myself to respond when prompted to His appropriate action?

And when He gives the privilege of serving Him, will I gladly turn His favor to praise?

Good Father, hone my readiness and zeal into prompt, generous action on behalf of Your church and kingdom purposes. (2 Corinthians 9:2-3)

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,

‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.  We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry,  but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love;  by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and yet not killed;  as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-10

When God’s grace gripped Paul’s heart and intellect, it gripped him completely and forever. The tenacious Pharisee and persecutor of Christians was transformed by grace, and determined never to waste this priceless gift. Not only did he invest time and sweat, prayers and tears for His kingdom’s sake, but he received all God brought to him not in vain, but as a stewardship.

Paul put to eternal use the ministry God gave him. He worked tirelessly to finish his race a victor. The difficulties he endured seem to be taken in stride, an integral part of the course he ran, obstacles he overcame with his Lord’s enabling and for the furtherance of His gospel. Grace had consumed Paul, and Paul was consumed with grace’s mission. Nothing he endeavored was in vain, but fueled by God’s purpose. (2 Timothy 4:7)

The grace extended to us was costly to Jesus. He took our punishment so we no longer are hampered, and gave His life so we could live for Him. This immeasurably valuable grace that saves and grants spiritual gifts is to be infused into all our thinking about and behavior toward others, our service in church and community, our involvements and conversations at work and in our neighborhoods. Do we value it appropriately, and integrate it in our efforts? (Romans 12:3-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24)

Are we handling God’s grace with gratitude and intention, or casually and in vain? How do we waste the days and hours and opportunities allotted to us for giving and proclaiming God’s grace to others? What will we do to change this habit, and more deliberately take advantage of conversations and chances to serve? In what instances do we give way to emotion and take the Lord’s name or honor in vain, diminishing Him before loved ones, or an unbelieving world? Would we quickly confess, and determine to revere Him instead? (Exodus 20:7; Numbers 20:12)

“A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
Oh, may it all my pow’rs engage
To do my Master’s will!

Help me to watch and pray,
And still on Thee rely,
Oh, let me not my trust betray,
But press to realms on high.” ~Charles Wesley (1762)

Amen.

“About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James with the sword, and… proceeded to arrest Peter also. He put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him,.. but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

“Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his hands. The angel said to him, ‘Dress yourself and put on your sandals… Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out.., and immediately the angel left him.  

“When Peter came to himself, he said, ‘Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod…’ He went to the house of Mary,.. where many were gathered together praying.” Acts 12:1-11a,12b

The early church was growing in numbers and power, but so was sentiment against it. New converts meant increasing suspicion among government and religious leaders, and consequent persecution. None of this was lost on our sovereign God. He was working all things- even death and imprisonment and the prayers of His people- for the ultimate good purpose of all who loved Him. (Romans 8:28)

We do know not know why the Lord takes some young and others later in life. We wouldn’t order the desperation or injustice we encounter. We cannot fathom God’s broad and mysterious and sometimes painful ways. But even when we do not understand, we can trust His intentions and believe He is actively fulfilling His purpose. He appoints the number of our days, our place and pattern of service to Him, and whether it means martyrdom, public teaching, serving tables, or praying behind the scenes, we are called to follow Him. (John 21:18-21; Acts 17:26)

Following may lead to prison- literally, for those under oppressive regimes, or figuratively, for those condemned or constrained at work, or among friends or family. Our faith may imprison us loneliness, or being misunderstood. But in these places, as we pray, we learn contentment, and God’s faithfulness and sufficiency. We trust Him for deliverance, discernment, strength, and hope. God uses it all to accomplish in us and others what He desires. (Philippians 4:11-13)

In my hard place, from what does He intend to unshackle me? What is He teaching about His trustworthiness, or expectant prayer? How can I follow Him more closely to join in His work?

Lord, you have set me apart for specific work, in this specific time. Fill me with your Spirit to fulfill that call, and to encourage others to do the same, for the building up of Your kingdom and the magnifying of Your glory. (Acts 13:2-5)

“Where shall I go from your Spirit?
    Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
    If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
    and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
    and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me,
    and the light about me be night,’
even the darkness is not dark to you;
    the night is bright as the day,
    for darkness is as light with you.” Psalm 139:7-12

Before the sun had risen, before any shadow crept into the day, rays appeared spraying up from the eastern horizon. Piercing and eradicating the dark in an indeterminable instant. Sublime. All-encompassing. Reaching as wide as angles allow, they spread their arms and shouted their message that all is held, and covered. There is not an iota of space untouched by God’s light and influence and radiant love.

Nothing is hidden from His notice or involvement. We burn with no desire He does not understand, expend no effort He does not measure, struggle with no temptation He has not felt, and languish in any failure He has not overcome. Our God is limitless in compassion, grace, and power toward His own. He bursts forth in perfect light to uncover the recesses of our heart secrets, and perfect timing to meet our soul needs. He knows all that lies before us, and is sufficient for our journey. (Isaiah 53:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 9:8; 12:9; Hebrews 4:15-16)

As we live weighted under hard circumstances, would we consider poking our heads above them, where the sun rays warm and enlighten and the air is free? Would we escape the frenzied treadmill of earthly duties, and take seriously God’s admonition to rest, and His example to get away alone with him? It may not be possible to extricate ourselves from very real responsibilities and limitations of poor health or ongoing societal conflict, but the Lord’s light can reach every hidden place and restore supernaturally in the moments we do have. (Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 14:23; Mark 6:31)

What areas of our thought and practical life do we withhold from God’s penetrating rays? Do we give lip service to surrender, but fret with fears about our health, the welfare and choices of loved ones, or security for the future? Worry has no place in Christ’s embrace. Have we compartmentalized certain areas we want to keep control of, claiming we know best when it comes to scheduling, finances, and entertainment? Pride does not get along with humility, vulnerability, and dependence. If we truly believe that Jesus’s light is the life of men, we would trust Him enough to expose all of ourselves to its penetrating power. (John 1:4)

Lord, nothing is concealed from the reach of Your light, and one day all will be exposed and rectified. So shine that You uncover my sin, purify my heart, light my way, and reflect Your beauties abroad in this dark world. (Psalm 36:9; 119:105; Luke 8:17; 1 Corinthians 4:5)