The Sound of Silence

Unlike other psalms of lament, Psalm 88 does not end in worship. It ends where it began—in a darkness punctuated only by anguished prayer. Or does it?

The text reminds us that our Lord keeps us safe, works miracles, is full of love, loyalty and saving power.

Open to the Light

We are made with a love for light. Sunlight streaming through a window on a winter’s day breaks the pattern of storms and early twilight, and promises that our homes and hearts will survive the darkness. It would be a tragedy to shut out this rare wonder by pulling the curtains closed.

Spiritually, every generation has those who respond to the light, and those who prefer not to stir from their dim rooms.

Life’s Darkest Hour … But …

“Father, if you will, please don’t make me suffer…” This is Christ, fully aware of the importance of what he is about to accomplish but also fully aware of the suffering about to be imposed. His words underscore the depth and intensity of this hour of darkness. Scourging, denial, mockery and hours of excruciating pain and torture. Verse 44 gives us a glimpse of the magnitude of this horror when it tells us “his sweat fell to the ground like drops of blood.”

Read More suffering, resurrection, darkness

Heavy on the Light

Have you ever felt “in the dark” about some issue? Darkness is a metaphor for ignorance and naiveté and here Jesus shines his light upon the ignorance of the Pharisees. He reveals that they lack perception in their judgments (v 15), they lack knowledge of who God is (v 19) and they are blind to their own earth bound perspective and allegiance (v 23).

Through the Night

Darkness is a test of character. To honour God throughout the day when everything is visible is an easier task than to be faithful in the nighttime hours when darkness creates doubts and hides our actions. Songs of praise come quickly to mind when the sun shines, but when shadows deepen it is a challenge to trust in the goodness of God.

Facing the Dark Side

Surely there is wisdom in looking at the bright side of things, of accentuating the positive in our lives and speaking well of the situations in which we find ourselves. The apostle Paul suggests this in various ones of his letters and even in the earlier parts of this second letter to Timothy. (See 2:1-2)

Read More light, love, gospel, darkness, courage, good, evil

Living in Christ

How do we know we are in Christ? That we are living as his followers the way God desires? The short answer is: his love. Loving others, including our enemies, is what sets us apart. Continuing his letter, John reminds us of Jesus’ commandment: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you. . .