Today’s reflection is from Meg Tamming. Meg is our Summer Staff & Volunteer Coordinator.
Today’s reading: Psalm 112
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
-Psalm 112:4
Reflecting on God’s Word
Psalm 112: 4-9 is one of the first passages I tried to memorize as a teen, when I first started to take my walk with the Lord seriously, and it remains one of my favourites to this day… The Lord brought it to mind recently with everything going on. If you can, take some time to read it slowly and really meditate on what it means for us in the midst of everything going on in our world today.
Even in darkness light dawns for the upright,
for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.
Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely,
who conduct their affairs with justice.
Surely the righteous will never be shaken;
they will be remembered forever.
They will have no fear of bad news;
their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear;
in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor,
their righteousness endures forever;
their horn will be lifted high in honour.
-Psalm 112: 4-9
Living in Hope
There is a lot to glean from this passage and we can find great encouragement in it as believers and followers of Christ. One of the first things that struck me as a teen reading these words was the line that says even in darkness, we can have light. Have you ever met someone that has gone through horrible trials and pain, and yet still lives with hope and joy? It is incredibly beautiful and inspiring. I often think of people like Corrie ten Boom when I read this. She is someone who, despite losing many family members and surviving horrific experiences in concentration camps during World War 2, found absolute hope and joy in Jesus. (If you haven’t read her book, The Hiding Place, I highly recommend it). Our light does not come from the world, but from Jesus and all, He has done for us.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
We trust the Lord
As someone who has struggled with anxiety for many years, I also find great encouragement in the fact that, when we trust the Lord, we can live without fear of the future, because our hope isn’t in our circumstances but in the Lord and His love for us. Now, I will be the first to admit that this is easier said than done. Constant fear is one of my greatest struggles but is an area the Lord has been challenging me in. This passage reminds me that I do not need to fear, because – again – my hope and trust are not in the world and what happens to me, but in the Lord and His love for me, which He proved on the Cross. This is not a promise that we won’t face trials in life, but that we can trust the Lord to guide us through them, that He will use pain and suffering to grow us, and that He works all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Nothing that happens to us is a surprise to God and His grace will always be sufficient (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Serve those around us
Lastly, I love that this passage reminds us to look to the needs of others, and give generously and serve those around us. We have an opportunity to be a light to others – especially during a time of need. I encourage you to pray and ask the Lord who you can serve or give to right now. It may take some creativity during this social distancing season, but it’s worth it!
How do these passages apply to your life today?
Friends, do not let this season be wasted! I truly believe the Lord wants to do so much through it. Keep pressing into Him, finding all hope and strength in Him, and actively seek ways that you can be a light to those around you.
Meg
Subscribe to get the Digital Refresh directly to your Email every day.
A Digital Refresh is a regular series for the staff at Mini-Yo-We.
When we gather together for worship and learn from God’s word we call it “Refresh.” Even though we aren’t at camp we can still gather together to share God’s word through a Digital Refresh.
For more resources check out our summer staff resource page.
If you would like to contribute reach out to pat@miniyowe.com.