‘The Lord…A Light to Me’

‘The Lord…A Light to Me’

Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; When I fall, I will arise; When I sit in darkness the Lord will be a light to me.

Micah 7:8

We like to be able to appear to be above all the circumstances of life. This holds true, particularly for those of us who were raised in the atmosphere of, ‘positive Christian attitude,’ who under no circumstance could be anything other than totally ‘victorious’ without fear, and ‘joyful.’ This puts an astronomical amount of pressure on us to uphold the image which became synonymous with, ‘Christian testimony.’ This is entirely at variance with the whole experience of the people of God throughout history. Our text for today is but one example of many where the saint of God ‘sits in darkness.’ Micah declares, ‘when I sit in darkness.’ Notice, it is not a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ In the larger plan and purpose of God, all of us will ‘sit in darkness’ from time to time. We may ‘sit in darkness’ because of things which are physical, mental, social, or spiritual.  Regardless of the source of our oppression, there is for us, but one Answer. Christ is that Answer. Micah does not look to his own will, ability, or choices as that which will bring him ‘light’ in the midst of his darkness.  As all the saints before him, and all the saints after him, he looks to Christ. Christ is the Light, and is the light for us when we ‘sit in darkness.’ Today, look not to yourself, your religion, your obedience or your resolve. Look to Christ. He will be the Light for you when you sit in darkness.

Our most Gracious and Loving God,
we rejoice that You have given unto us Christ,
that He is the Light, Who lightens all our darkness.
O, Sun of Righteousness, arise, we pray with healing in Your wings.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning