Have you ever had a time when you were waiting with every ounce of emotion and strength for the sun to rise?  I have had several nights like that - nights when God taught me lessons on His mercy and faithfulness.

One time I spent several long hours in the cab of a pick-up while camping in the mountains.  Although I love to camp and have enjoyed it since a child, this particular night was one in which I wrestled for hours with fear.  It was so dark; I couldn't make out even the smallest details of the trees and hills around me.  Unfamiliar sounds were magnified by my imagination.

Even though I knew the power and faithfulness of my Father, I believe God allowed this time of wrestling for a deepening of my understanding.

As I watched the clock and anticipated the sunrise, my focus strengthened and my courage grew.  Suddenly the surrounding landscape which had been hidden became more and more clear.  I began to experience a deep, down 'knowing' of the newness of God's mercy which comes with the rising of each new day.

Simeon was a man who "was filled with the Holy Spirit, and eagerly expected the Messiah to come and rescue Israel." (Luke 2:25-35)  He had lived for years and years, waiting for this Light to rise and reveal God to the nations. 

There must have been moments and hours when the surrounding circumstances seemed so dark and hard to understand.  I'm sure there were times when Simeon simply held on to the knowledge of God's love and mercy. 

And then one day, so suddenly, the Spirit led him to the temple to see the Light Who would never be overcome by darkness.  In what I imagine was a very emotional state, Simeon proclaimed, "Lord, now I can die in peace!  As You promised me, I have seen the Savior You have given to all people."

Luke 1:78-79 says "Because of God's tender mercy . . . " this Light rose after a long, dark night.  Because God is kindness, compassion, and love, He brought light into our darkness.

And this bringing forth of light is still happening - everyday.

There are some areas in my life right now that seem pretty dark - I don't see the next step; I can't make out or recognize my surroundings.  It is a time of blackness before the sunrise.  But regardless, there is one solid Word on which I focus:  "Because of God's tender mercy. . . "

 

Amy