Even before a word is on my tongue, O Lord, you know it completely. Psalm 139:4

The Lord will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.

1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV

This time of year, in the northern hemisphere the days are short with more darkness than light. We get up while it is still dark; it gets dark before we start making supper. It is quiet outside, no lawn mowers or leaf blowers as the snow (if we get some) covers the landscape. For some, this darkness leads to episodes of sadness, helped by increasing artificial light. For others, the peacefulness of winter is pleasant. Our Christmas holiday emphasizes lights, as does Hanukkah, festivals of lights that overcome darkness.

 God knows all about each of us, and will bring light into the darkness. Paul writes that the Lord will bring light, not just so we can see better, but also to find what is hidden in the darkness. I remember Uncle Jimmy, my grandfather’s brother, staying at a neighbor’s house during grandpa’s funeral. He asked for a flashlight to take back to that house. When asked if he was scared of the dark, he replied, “No, but I can’t see very well in the dark.” Isn’t that true of all of us? We see so much better when there is light.

Wherever we are God knows what we are thinking of saying and doing. That sounds a little scary. Some thoughts are better left unsaid, but God already knows we thought them! Of course, this also means that God is always with us, in times of trouble and times of joy. We can’t always control our thoughts, but we can control what we speak; we can think before opening our mouths. God has already seen what is in our hearts and minds, and yet He still loves us.

Merciful God, in the assurance of your grace, we confess our sins and seek your guidance in both the light and dark moments of our lives. May your light bring us hope and restoration in our daily living. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party