Flecks of Light:  by Joey

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Years ago, when I went to a Christian doctor, I was given this verse before we knew what was wrong with me. It has been a staple of comfort many times since then. Today as I write its intensity, seems more, empowering with the times we are living.

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Zephaniah.3:16 In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack. 17 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. 18 I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden. 19 Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame. 20 At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.

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Picking out several gems, I was able to add to the quiet versus the chaos in my day. Fear not! The Lord God is mighty to save! He will rest in his love! I will undo all that afflicts. I will gather you, and I will turn back your captivity.

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The more I think about the flecks of light that have lined my day, I am aware there is nothing more valuable to ones health. In the times we are in it is so easy to get pulled down with all the opinion and fear factor that is out there. When I looked up what light means I found: wisdom, knowledge, goodness, grace, and hope. This brought to mind the following verse:

 

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light to my path. The unfolding of your words gives light and understanding to the simple.

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Having been familiar with this verse from years ago, reading it now I had a light bulb moment. If the word has the ability to bring light and love, then how important is it that we abide in that simplicity? In my day to day comings and goings. I have been longing for anything that is simple. Even as I write I am aware of to many little details and not so aware of the quiet that surrounds me in the moment.

 

Making my prayer once again become: Isaiah 30:15 For the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said: "By repentance and rest you would be saved; your strength would lie in quiet confidence--but you were not willing."  Father, make me willing. 

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I have been thinking a lot about reflective light. A true witness has the essence of the oil in active measure. As I go through my day I am aware of the need to find the seed of truth in things. And yet, how one goes about that has many avenues. For some its meditation and prayer, for others its direct communication about the situation or circumstance. And for still others, I think it falls under ignorance is bliss, or something that keeps a handle on what one does not want to face.

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I looked up the word ignorance and found the following...incomprehension, failure to understand something, unaware, unfamiliar, lack of experience, knowledge, or skill, unenlightened, and foolishness. Many of these words stir a fire I can hardly put into words, as I see it in the way people develop, in the way they connect or the lack of both. I see it in, the processing in my own life, a foolishness that erodes the quiet and the confidence I endeavor to walk in.

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Returning to my opening statement: A true witness has the essence of the oil in active measure. Though I do not wish to measure my life by anything that is foolish and shallow; I do not want to come off as thinking I am the end all of answers. This stirred a journey in me to look at how reflective light effects the whole. If I ignore what is right within my reach and refuse to listen, how does that effect others in the same path that I walk. If I am passionate about what is revealed; and use it to manipulate or try to fix others therein is another dilemma.

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My life has been a tapestry of many experiences, some foolish and some leading to a pearl of rest...it occurs to me the next 30 years have the same opportunity for hope and light. Hope that the dark times will never be without light. And that light will be a path for others I touch as well.

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In sorting this out I have found a determination to stay focused, 'rise' and let the confusion and tedious frustration dissipate. Which always amazes me as I tend to think my garden is hard and dry and without anything resembling fruit. Today after telling someone something I had gleaned, I realized hard ground only needs to be open to the inner stream of light, for something amazing to appear.