Friday, November 6, 2020

Today’s reflection is by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form light and create darkness. I make weal and create woe; I the Lord do all these things.”  —Isaiah 45:6-7

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.” —2 Thessalonians 3:5

As the days get shorter and darkness comes earlier, the part of the verse from Isaiah about God forming light and darkness stood out for me. Although I may see the shorter days and longer nights as an inconvenience for me and a reminder that winter is on its way, the change in daylight hours is a natural occurrence and part of God’s natural order of things. The shorter, cooler days signal plants and trees to begin to store energy in their trunks and roots to survive the winter. They are a sign to the birds to begin their migration, and a sign for all creatures to prepare for the colder weather to come. God forms light and darkness as part of his plan for creation.

Yet sometimes we face our own personal darkness, such as when we are angry, or depressed, or have bad thoughts about others. I admit that I have caught myself at times slipping into negative thoughts, especially with the polarization of our politics lately. But when I do, I take this to the Lord in prayer and he shines his light into my heart and mind and lifts me out of my negativity.

If we just take the time in prayer to ask for forgiveness and guidance when we feel the darkness in our lives, then, as the second verse today from 2 Thessalonians reminds us, the Lord will direct our hearts to the love of God and to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who will always be there for us and will guide us. Our loving, faithful God is truly like no other. Amen.