Sunrise

Here in Maine sunrise is early this time of year– 5:25 am today. I am grateful that, thanks to the predawn shenanigans of my playful cat, Acadia, I was up early enough this morning to see a spectacular sunrise.  These are some words that came to me as I watched the day awakening, while awaiting updates about my father who is in the hospital with possible Covid-19:

I know not what today may bring
of joy or grief, of life or loss,
but this I know and rest my hope upon–
that surely as the sun did rise,
Christ my Lord is risen too,
defeating death, restoring life,
the Son of God, the light of all!

Sunrise 043020

May light shine in the darkness…

‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.’ John 1:5

‘Blessed be the God and Father of our LORD Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.’ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

We’ve been made very aware of darkness in the world this past week, and many lives have been shattered. Let’s seek God’s comfort and then share that comfort with those who are hurting, so that we can help reflect the light of Christ into the darkness.

Monday: Thank God for the assurance that his light is not overcome by darkness. Ask him to help you focus on the light every day in the face of dark news.

Tuesday: Pray for others who feel overwhelmed by evil and darkness, that they would keep their eyes on God’s light and receive his comfort.

Wednesday: Think of times God has comforted you in the past, and ask him how you can share that with those who have suffered losses.

Thursday: Thank God for first responders and others who give sacrificially to help in terrible situations. Pray that many people would experience God’s love and seek his light as they see the evil wrought by darkness.

Friday: Pray that God would show you how you can reach out with his light to touch broken and hurting people in our communities, so that they would experience the support of true community.

Saturday: Praise God that he is a God of light and love and comfort. Ask him to help you become more like him.