MORNING BY MORNING

There's something refreshing about going for an early morning walk.    Apart from getting your body moving for the day, it gives you a healthier perspective on life.  

I've been walking most mornings consistently now for over six months, with my neighbour.   We started during one of the severe lockdowns, because it was one of the few reasons we were allowed out of the house to talk to someone other than immediate family, and we both needed the adult input. 

Our morning walk is quite the trek up a reasonably steep incline.  You get to a certain point and it levels off, and then the trek back is downhill so it's easier.    I often look at the marker for where it levels off, a huge tree that looks like an arm with a finger pointing to the sky.    I always breathe easier once I get to that marker.  

On Saturday morning, I went walking alone because my neighbour wasn't able to join me.   As I was walking up the hill, I noticed the moon still out, high in the sky, on my left.   I didn't realise it was so close to being a full moon.   

To the right, the sun was just about visible above the hills.  It was quite bizarre to be walking between the two - the light of the night, and the upcoming light of the day.   

I sensed that the Lord was trying to show me something, so I started to 'listen', and took some photos.  

It seems my life is a journey between these two great lights, and often an uphill journey.   If I'm walking at night, that night light is incredibly helpful and useful.  And I have appreciated its light because there has been no alternative.  That night light has been my focus, my source of protection and comfort and guidance.   

But now there is an alternative, the great light of the new day, the light I should be living in, should have been living in all this time.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows ME will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  John 8:12

We're not meant to walk in the dark, not ever, but sometimes relationships keep us in the dark.   

The moon has been my reference point for far too long, and I've settled for its attempts at light, when really I should have been looking to the sun (Son) as my source instead.   I thought I was following Him, but He was coming a poor second in my thinking and serving and loving.   

Anytime we put someone in God's place in our lives, it's like living in the light of the moon, a poor substitute for His light.   Any time we make another person a reference point for our worth, our purpose, our identity, it's like walking around in the night.  

We live off their reflection of light to us, instead of living in the light itself.    We believe their version of the truth, instead of knowing the truth for ourselves.   It's not how He wants us to live.   

We also live in fear and in shadows.   If we're keeping our eyes on the sun, keeping our faces to His, then the only shadows are the ones we make behind us, not the ones cast by others.   

The Lord has let me to this verse so many times over the years and now it takes on new meaning.   

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?  Ps 27:1

There is no fear in God's love, and no shadows, and no mind games.     Yes, God's truth shines into the darkness in us, but it's a loving truth, a truth that brings freedom and healing, not condemnation, shame or fear. 

Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’  John 8:31,32

Walking up the hill, and noticing the difference between the two lights, made me realise how much I've been walking in the dark for a long time.  

The moon had no light the other morning.    In fact, the moon never does have its own light.  It can only reflect the true light, but it's a poor reflection, and it only shines bright when we're already in the dark.  It seems bright, but in fact it isn't.  I've had enough of walking in the dark, of living my life in the dark, and settling for a poor reflection of love and truth.   

It's time to walk in the light of HIS love, HIS truth, HIS freedom.  

I've felt the Lord speaking to me for a while now about light, and have not really understood it.   So, I'm digging into the Word and seeing what part light plays in my journey up this hill.   Many of these verses are ones He's already led me to, and I just haven't understood His point.   

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.   Ps 36:9

Send me Your light and Your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy mountain, to the place where You dwell.  Ps 43:3

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous.  Ps 112:4

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Ps 119:105

For You have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.  Ps 56:13

It's time to stop stumbling around in the dark, and to walk before God in His light.   

Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim You, who walk in the light of Your presence, Lord.  Ps 89:15

Having lived in the shadows for so long, I am determined to walk in the light of His presence, and to receive the blessings available in that place.   I think I have much to learn.  

This song has been on replay lately.   It seems appropriate as I go for a walk each morning and remember His faithfulness, and that the light of His presence is gradually shifting those shadows.   I am indeed surprised by a mercy that's new every morning.  

Daily, daily I surrender

Grace for today is all that I need

Surprised by a mercy that's new every morning

Awaken my soul to sing

Oh, awaken my soul to sing

I will trust where You lead

I will trust when I can't see

Morning by morning

Great is Your faithfulness to me