I've been encouraged by articles I've read that point the way to seeking meaning and finding direction during this time. The NYT Smarter Living section's article on Monday, "How to Cope When Everything Keeps Changing" is filled with strategies to help us cope when life resembles an endless stream of curveballs.
A favorite scripture, Psalms 119:105: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path," popped into my head as I thought about this theme. During this time of pandemic and unrest in our world, I find it important to "make time" to turn to scripture and song to feel the calming influence of the spirit. I first typed "find time," but then I remembered my father always saying that we never find time, but that we always make time to do the things we want to do. And that leads me to wonder if my prayers should include the plea, "Help me want to spend time with the word and help me yearn for quiet time to refresh my spirit and keep me close to thee."
The words of the hymn, Lead, Kindly Light, popped into my head a day or so ago as I went about the day's activities. I enjoyed reading a Wikipedia article about the hymn and learning that it was originally published as a poem, "the Pillar of the Cloud," based on these words from Exodus 13:
21 And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:
22 He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people.
Perhaps it's not surprising that my thoughts of scripture and song turned to references to light. Light is my OLW for 2020. I need the Lord's light to lead me and give me light, both by day and by night. I look forward to reading your thoughts about finding direction. I'm always encouraged by my friends at Spiritual Journey Thursday. Feel free to join us by posting your own thoughts. We love welcoming new folks to join our spiritual journeys.
Thank you,Ramona, for sharing your thoughts and scriptures. I especially appreciate your prayer for yearning... reminded me of "Like the hart pants for the water, so my soul yearns after you..." Psalm 42:1. Words to treasure...
ReplyDeleteI love your prayer: "Help me want to spend time with the word and help me yearn for quiet time to refresh my spirit and keep me close to thee." And that light is your word for this year - you are always, always reflecting it! I know how a Scripture can link to a song, as you mention here ... already a response to the prayer. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely, Ramona. I appreciated getting to hear your reflection and see the way light is shining. LIGHT is such a lovely word for your life.
ReplyDeleteRamona, life has been so helter-skelter that I find myself up and down with emotions. Hoping your thought leads me to a stress-free day: "I need the Lord's light to lead me and give me light, both by day and by night." My house on Long Island is still not sold and the deadline for the closing of my house in VA is November 18. I am waiting for clarity and more light on this situation but waiting is difficult for me. Thanks for your illuminating post. (I read it last week but remembered I might not have responded.)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words, and I enjoyed clicking through to listen to Lead, Kindly Light. There's plenty of encircling gloom, but God's light doesn't fail.
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