December 1st, 2022
The Night I Landed
“I was silent and still; I held my peace to no avail;my distress grew worse, my heart became hot within me. While I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue: “Lord, let me know my end, and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a few handbreadths, and my lifetime is as nothing in your sight. Surely everyone stands as a mere breath. Surely everyone goes about like a shadow. Surely for nothing they are in turmoil; they heap up, and do not know who will gather. “And now, O Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in you. Deliver me from all my transgressions.”
—Psalm 39:2-8a
The title was taken from Jan Richardson’s book, “Night Visions – searching the shadows of advent and christmas.”
Her words that followed were about her own personal experiences and I will not attempt to make it into mine. It was personal and I encourage you to read more of her works as they are very inspiring. I decided to dig into the shadows for my own story.
As I contemplated her words and the theme of darkness along with her continued poem below, I found Psalm 39, beautifully written by David.
Today, I was reading/listening to a book written by C. S. Lewis called, “The Chronicles of Narnia – The Last Battle.” to my surprise there was a chapter that speaks directly to “shadows” and how everything in Narnia was only a shadow of what was to come. The true Narnia, a new Narnia, Aslan’s own country. In many ways, our earthly existence is a mere shadow of what is to come in our heavenly home without sin and it’s plague upon mankind. God has prepared a place for believers, going home to God’s own country if you will. With the season of advent upon us, we are in the shadows of every advent before us. We very well may know the story of Jesus’ birth and heard it multiple times at church services in the past. However, try as we may, it is never told the same way and received the same way twice. Open your hearts, your eyes, your very being to the gifts of advent this year. Step out of the shadows, whatever they may be. Step into the light, step towards the Light of the World and I promise you are loved by Jesus.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
—John 8:12 (ESV)—
🦁
“Things never happen the same way twice.”
C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian (Chronicles of Narnia, #2)
Matthew Henry’s Commentary Psalm 39:2-6
David here recollects, and leaves upon record, the workings of his heart under his afflictions; and it is good for us to do so, that what was thought amiss may be amended, and what was well thought of may be improved the next time.
Psalm 39:7-8a
David having meditated on the shortness and uncertainty of life, and the vanity and vexation of spirit that attend all the comforts of life, here, in these verses, turns his eyes and heart heaven-ward. When there is no solid satisfaction to be had in the creature it is to be found in God, and in communion with him. My hope is in thee. Note, When creature-confidences fail, it is our comfort that we have a God to go to, a God to trust to, and we should thereby be quickened to take so much the faster hold of him by faith.
Darkness invades us sometimes without notice, it creeps into spaces we leave unguarded and sometimes in places where we feel safe. Darkness in the world seeks to destroy, alienate and to compromise our lives. Jesus is with all of us, all we must do is ask Him into our lives. Remember, He’s not a magician or a genie passing out wishes. Changing our perception of darkness and the things we feel we must keep in the shadows will be hard work, it may take time and patience and forgiveness, but so worth it! Know that God is always with you. Do not let shame or guilt keep you from healing and stepping into the light. You are so loved.
May you be filled with HOPE today and always. Thank you friends and family for prayers and your support, I am truly blessed by you.
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” —Isaiah 43:2
~Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.
References:
HOPE SEEKER 
Thank you!
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