Dawn Breaks

The night is dark, but as the Earth turns, the light of the Sun chases the dark away. This is what we call a sunrise. Of course, we know that the Sun is set in space, and it is the Earth that is rotating. Yet, the coming of the day is heralded by the “rising” of the Sun because we do not feel the Earth spinning. We only see the Sun brimming above the horizon. Light breaks in. Night turns to day.

I am generally awake before the darkness begins to fade, and I have long appreciated those first conscious thoughts as being the expression of my true self. I have learned to pay attention to that scripture, that lyric, that memory that is in my mind as I rise to the surface. Often these represent an ongoing conversation with God. Sometimes I am aware that He has initiated an invitation to me to come and find Him. I wish I could tell you that I always rush to do so. What I can tell you is that when I do, He is always faithful to be found, and I am thrilled to realize He’s been waiting for me.

“Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you.” (Isaiah 30:18a NASB)

Is my heart only, completely, always His? By faith, with hope, in the power of the love of God, the answer is yes. Is this my daily, hourly experience? Not yet, but I can say with Paul, “Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12 NASB)

Thank you, Lord, that your mercies are new every day. Thank you that I can turn to you without shame. Thank you for forgiving me when I don’t choose You first. Thank you for giving me a heart that wants to love You and for teaching me how to yield my heart to your love. I pray with the psalmist, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my rock and my Redeemer.” Be my strength today, Lord, and let Your light shine through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Dear friends, I encourage you to take some time this week to examine your daily rhythm. Is the Son Himself your sunrise? Respond to His invitation and receive daily bread. Spend a little time each morning praying the prayer He taught the disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. Meditate on one sentence each day, and receive what He longs to give to you.

Until next week, remain in Him and let the light of His love shine through you.

As always, if you want to share with the Cultivating Faithfulness community please feel free to send me an email.