Last straw, first light
Ruth Kennedy 
December 27, 2023
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Psalm 97: 11-12 (NIVUK)
11
Light shines on the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.12
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.
I know there are benefits in staying active, physically and mentally, but sometimes it really doesn’t feel that way when it’s cold and dark outside and I’m due to go running. Or there’s something good to watch or read and I have to drag myself away from the sofa! The goodness can often be forgotten.
It is hard to hear young people talk down about their capabilities thinking they don’t have what it takes when in reality they are more than they realise, they do indeed have what it takes. There is a misconception in beliefs as other factors act as layers hiding over the truth of their abilities, their goodness forgotten.
And yet, the goodness remains. Even when it is forgotten or hidden it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Like the moon, on a cloudy night, we can’t see it but it is still there in the night sky, shining behind the clouds.
For all the sad and awful times the ancient people of God experienced who lived at this time of this psalm, the goodness of God was still there, and the light of God still shone. In our days, it might seem that the goodness of God, His joy and light, is hiding but we are not to forget about it because it is still there — God is still there. God continues to bring light to us and give us joy.
How do we find this when it seems hidden behind the layers of clouds? Rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name. The tools to help us uncover and remember are rejoicing in God and praising Him.
If no other words can come from our hearts and mouths, let us say a Hallelujah.
For the light has come.
And nothing can put it out.
Prayer:
“I'm gonna sing, in the middle of the storm,
Louder and louder, you're gonna hear my praises roar,
Up from the ashes, hope will arise.
Hallelujah, the King is alive.” (From the song Raise a Hallelujah by Bethel Music)
Because I believe Lord that you are there, your love and goodness are there even if clouds try and hide you from me, you are there. Even more constant than the moon and the stars and your breath blows the clouds away, letting me see clearly.
Hallelujah Jesus!
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