Disperse the gloomy clouds

Oh, come, our Dayspring from on high,
And cheer us by your drawing nigh,
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

The closer I am to God, the more joyful I am. I think it has to do with my perspective and how He shifts it to more of a Kingdom orientation. That isn’t to say there aren’t gloomy clouds, but when I am in His presence, the clouds are more easily dispersed.

I love how many spiritual songs and hymns are so relatable! It’s as if these authors have also struggled with similar life situations. We are all human and can learn from the experiences of one another. We are created by the Life-giver and we should be sharing life-giving words with one another.

The closer I am walking with God, the more encouraging I am. His Word fills me up and those words naturally spill out in conversation.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz

Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel
Translated: John Neal, 1818-66

Our Wisdom from on High

Oh, come, our Wisdom from on high,
Who ordered all things mightily;
To us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to you, O Israel!

How often do I forget that I don’t have to know everything myself?

God is my wisdom!

Do I see His face in the decisions that are ahead of me? Do I remember that He who created the Earth and everything in it can see the way through my struggles? Can I rely on Him for provision and strength?

God always has the bigger picture in mind and He is working to prepare my heart and mind for what is to come while providing for all I need today. He is the one who knows it all — from the past to the future and intricately weaves it all together. I pray that I always seek His path of knowledge and not what the world deems “wise”.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz

Oh, Come, Oh, Come Emmanuel
Translated: John Neal, 1818-66

Dwelling

I have dwelled on things I have said or done (or left undone) a time or two. These situations weigh on me and the inner dialogue might go something like this:

I cannot even believe you said that.

Why are you being so petty?

Why didn’t you pay closer attention?

That was a stupid thing to say!

I work on remaining silent when frustrated because blurting things out in a moment of aggravation typically only escalates a situation. I also mentally work through things that are mistakes I have made. I first “right” what I can and then I lift the rest to God. Some things are not in my control. No amount of money or time can resolve some situations. I have learned to be ok with that.

But this dwelling can drive me crazy! It can create sleepless nights. I might dream of all of the possible solutions that could have worked if only I would have _________________________!!! [You fill in the blank!]

What is worth dwelling over? Where should my energies go?

These days leading up to Advent have something worth dwelling over. God’s gift to humankind. God’s gift of redemption. God’s gift of love. The Prince of Peace. My Redeemer. Emmanuel.

Come, Lord Jesus!
Liz