June 24th
The Light is For - Step by Step
I have just returned from visiting an individual in jail. He has been there a long time. It seems that hearings get postponed, etc.
I tried to encourage him. I know it is extremely difficult to wonder about the future. But as I told my friend, "Let's not think about the worst until you KNOW that is what will happen." We can all attest to the fact that many of the bridges we build in our mind we never have to use.
While in a "holding type situation" (one does not have to be in a literal jail to experience this) it is so important to live this day - and not tomorrows. Strength and light for this day only.
A traveller told the story of visiting a national monument years ago. After paying the fee he was given a small lantern to light the steps to the top. He said, "I took the lamp and stepped inside on the stone floor,and as the winding stone steps are on the inside, I looked far up its rugged steps and at once called the attention of the man in charge. 'This won't do. It doesn't light a quarter of the steps. Look up there.' He smiled at my want and said to me, 'You aren't up there. Why do you want it lighted there until you get there? It is bright enough for your first few steps where you put your foot."
My friend, isn't that just like us? We want to know all about the future; we want to know how it is going to come out; we want to know all the ifs and what ifs. Yet, the Lord is telling us to take just one step in our journey. You see, we actually need light only as we thus step on and up.
Is that what Jesus meant when He said, "Give us this day our daily bread"? or not to give undue worry about tomorrow, because the Scripture tells us (Prov. 27:l)
"We know not what a day may bring forth."
But, "This is the day that the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it."
My prayer for you:
Lord, I thank you for this day and I thank you for this on-line reader. I ask, in the name of Jesus, that they put all their energy into this day and leave tomorrow to you. Thank you for your promise of light for the day, strength for the day and peace for this day. It is comforting to know that as they take their steps, the light proceedes ahead. That was the way it was when the Children of Israel were in the desert. Beside the cloud during the day you sent the fire by night which not only protected them, but gave them direction. We bless you Lord.
Amen