Isaiah 12:2-6
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.” With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. In that day you will say: “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done, and proclaim that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.” Isaiah 12:2-6 (NIV)
It is always darkest before the dawn....How many times have you heard that? Here we are, Holy Saturday, the darkest day in the church year. Jesus has died. His body is in the tomb. We have lived through the saddest story of all. How can we go on from here?
I remember a time when I attended a church that had perpetual adoration. Every hour of every day, every week, every month, every year, someone was inside of that church praying, maybe sad, maybe rejoicing, always adoring Him. I was a young mother with a bunch of littles at home. The hour I chose was in the dark, wee hours on Saturday mornings, my babies were home sleeping, their Dad was there if they needed someone, I could clear my mind and be in the moment. I must have missed the memo, the only day of the year the church was locked and dark was Holy Saturday. I arrived and could not get in. There was a small garden by the side door we used and I sat and I cried and I prayed. I understood. I felt deep sadness, alone, true sorrow. It may have been the closest I've ever felt to Him in this life.
Oh the Joy the next morning when we joined in singing, Jesus Christ is Risen Today, Alleluia! Again, I understood!
On this sad day, as we look forward to the joy of tomorrow, let us always remember that He is there for us always, especially when we need Him the most. We need not drown in our sorrow. We hope, believe, live with the knowledge that we will be saved. What peace we can find in His word!
Questions for Reflection:
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Do I cling to hope and belief when things look darkest?
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What could help me through it when hope seems fleeting?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I am so sorry for what you had to endure to save us. I pray that we are strong enough to help ourselves and others to see and appreciate what your sacrifice has gained for us. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Amen
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