Mercy

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Darkness

I sat leaning against the rails of our front sidewalk steps.  Just over a block away, red and blue lights flashed as emergency and law enforcement vehicles converged on a sad, dark scene.

I tried to pray, but found myself detached--unable to pray with the passion the occasion warranted.  Acknowledging and despising the distance in my heart between the tragic scene and my personal sense of security, I sat until the last lights pulled away in silence. 

Above the scene, a crescent-shaped moon hovered protectively.

We went to bed.  Late.  I slept.  But this morning I knew there were families who didn't sleep.  Who COULDN'T sleep.  God is working on my hard heart.  This morning I remember the darkness of the night.


The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;
  The light of the world is Jesus;
Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,
  The light of the world is Jesus.

    Come to the light, 'tis shining for thee;
    Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
    Once I was blind, but now I can see;
      The light of the world is Jesus. 
(from the gospel song "The Light of the World is Jesus")

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  (Jesus, in Matthew 14:14-16)


 "Let my heart be broken with the things that break the heart of God."  (Bob Pierce)
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9 comments:

  1. TamaraJuly 6, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    Oh Rebecca! I lift up prayers with you for the 'event'. Every time I here or see rescue personnel, I am drawn to prayer. For those who respond and for those to whom they are responding. What ever the event, may it serve to draw them unto Him.

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  2. Rhonda SchrockJuly 6, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    You know, lately I've found myself imploring the Holy Spirit to work within me certain attributes of Christ in which I'm lacking. I'm patently unable to conjure them up myself, to make fruit to grow, or to change my own heart, and I've been casting myself on His tender mercies, asking Him to do the work.

    The love of God IS shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. May you find this to be a dear and clear reality in your walk today, dear sister.

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  3. Jacquelyn StagerJuly 6, 2011 at 11:25 AM

    I get frustrated with myself also during those times I wish my heart would respond with prayer but my mind won't allow the concentration. It especially seems to happen when I need the prayers for myself. I've learned to let the prayers of others carry me during those times, knowing there are times when I have carried them to the throne.

    I know this was a very real and unnerving situation you witnessed but I am so impressed with the beautiful (if I can use that word) writing you did here. I know that's not why you wrote it, but it really is an great example of your writing talent Rebecca. How's your BOOK coming along??

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  4. DeeJuly 6, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    There are times like this in all our lives...your heart felt the empathy but your mind went into numb mode...I feel this is when the Holy Spirit takes over and sends up the prayer.

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  5. Jacquelyn StagerJuly 6, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Dee said it better...that's what I meant too!

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  6. Heather's Blog-o-ramaJuly 6, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Hi Rebecca,

    It's always a sad thing when you see t hose blue/red lights flashing, knowing that someone is missing their love one/their baby. I'll pray for that family I don't know. God knows who they are :) :)

    Thanks for the lovely words from that hymn. I really enjoyed reading that. My personal favorite hymn is "Softly and Tenderly"

    Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  7. PamelaJuly 6, 2011 at 9:13 PM

    I love the Bob Pierce quote and it's becoming a constant in my daily prayers.

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  8. no spring chickenJuly 7, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    This is an absolutely beautiful truth. How hard it is to keep our hearts tender and soft in a world that is so busy making messes. Yet, how often the Lord expressed His desire for us to be always tender, exhibiting his compassion and great love. We are that light in the darkness whether we feel like being it or not.

    Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayer! I'm still physically achy and tired, but a bit better today. Your words really touched me and again I am thankful for your wisdom and friendship.

    Blessings, Debbie

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  9. Lori ZehrJuly 7, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    I too try to pray when I see or hear a rescue vehicle and I fight the same apathy you spoke of. Last evening was my most recent chance to pray--while I stood picking wild black raspberries in my fencerows--a very peaceful place to be. The silence of nature--only birds singing, was broken by the wail of sirens and I was alerted to pray. Thanks for the reminder.

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