hovering over our darkness

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:1-3

My child,

Uncertainty looms behind every new wave of political divisiveness, racial tension and heartbreak of the pandemic. The “life as usual” march has become decidedly out of rhythm. People wonder what they can count on anymore.

You believe the sun will set tonight because you know that is what it does every day. You don’t see it setting right now, but you are sure it will.

I am certain like that. Guaranteed. I give you my word.

As the world around you seems to spin out-of-control like an unbalanced merry-go-round, I want you to have utter confidence in who I am. You can count on my flawless characteristics. The reality of who I am cannot be damaged, altered, or re-sculpted by the ebb and flow of uncertain times.

I am eternally perfect in every way. As I reveal myself to you, I allow you to increasingly experience my divine attributes.

Don’t place your confidence in the circumstances for which you hope. They are fragile gods with clay feet. Put your confidence in who I am, what I do, and the joy and glory of our connection.

That glory will carry you into eternity no matter what the rest of your life on this planet looks like.

I love you,

Abba

My Abba,

Sometimes I think all the keys to my happiness lie in circumstances like an ideal marriage, great friendships, a thriving family, significant ministry milestones, health, financial security, and so on.

I imagine if I have all that, I will be utterly happy.

I know all those things are desirable. But what I really want is the joy, peace, comfort and love I think those things will bring me.

Desirable circumstances don't always bring the absolute satisfaction I think they will. At some point, I wind up hungry again for the next carrot that appears just a few inches out of reach.

I cannot see you with my physical eyes but I know that you have given me amazing grace gifts at times when my life was in the darkest abyss. Nothing “seen” could account for that. You have created eternal beauty in the midst of the most devastating despair in my life.

It reminds me of the verses in Genesis 1. “ The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.”

Sometimes there seems to be no trace of light in my circumstances. Everything looks formless, empty, and my deepest waters are covered in darkness.

But then, you hover over my pain and say, “Let there be light.” Your glorious light permeates the darkness of my despair. You create something beautiful, something seen, from the unseen.

I choose to put my confidence in you today, Creator of life and light. Please fill my life with your luminous presence!

I love you,

Mollie

 photo: n. standret