Psalm 112: Rising in the Darkness
Monday, February 19, 2024
Whether we know it or, once we commit to loving God as we see God in others, we begin to generate light in the darkness.
Those who love the LORD rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
We may be unaware that others are watching us but they are. When we say that are committed to Christ, do our actions betray or support our words?
It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
If we hope to make a mark in human history, all we need do is follow Christ. In this way we will find ourselves in the story of hope and generosity rather than the story of fear and exclusion.
For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
Once we begin to think and move in Christ, all fear falls away for we know that we are not in charge and that the long arc of human history is moving toward the light of Christ.
They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
When we feel ourselves moving in that great tide of humanity that yearns for universal justice, impartial freedom and eternal peace, we will know that all is well.
Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
The honor we seek is not the reward of this life; it is the quiet, humble, everlasting honor that Christ bestows when we follow after him.
They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; they are exalted in honor.
We cannot think that our progress is smooth for the way of discipleship is difficult in the best of circumstances.
The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
And we must remember that in our gladness of living and loving in Christ, we are called to invite all those who weary from their journey of opposition, mistrust, and manipulation to join in this great generation of life and light and love.
Those who love the LORD rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
We give thanks for the times when are the light. We ask forgiveness for the times we have brought darkness to others and ourselves. And we remember to look for the face of Christ in every soul that passes our way.
When we spend time with various translations of this psalm, we find that our hearts are lighter, our path more easily seen and trod, and our journey more full of peace.
Images from: http://blogs.studentlife.utoronto.ca/lifeatuoft/2014/12/10/amnesty-international-u-of-t-cities-for-life/ and http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/a-candle-in-the-dark/ and http://www.butchfemmeplanet.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-1247-p-14.html
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