18th January 2023

A thought from George Ford

‘He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light. God does all these things to a person twice even three times, to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.’
(Job 33:28-30)

‘Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of sea, even their your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
(Psalm 139:7-10)

Reflection

Throughout the book of Job and the Psalms the word ‘pit’ is used as a metaphor for deep trouble, as well as for the depths of hell. At this time of year many people find themselves in very low spirit – The ‘January Blues’. Some often describe them as dark and restricting like being in a pit. In a pit the light only comes from above, requiring us to look up to be enlightened. The Psalmist reminds us there is nowhere we can go where God is not. (Psalm 139:10) Jesus, His light, has come in to this word, and Jesus has promised He will never leave us, or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5) but will be with us always even unto the end of time (Matthew 28:20).

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may we, even in our lowest moments, know you to be there with us; and knowing this be strengthened by your Spirit to look up and see the light of your love afresh each and every day. For Jesus’ sake we pray.
Amen.

Worship

‘God I look to you, I won’t be overwhelmed, give me vision to see things like you do. God I look to you, you’re where my help comes from, give me wisdom, you know just what to do. I will love you Lord, my strength. I will love you Lord, my shield. I will love you Lord, my rock. Forever all my days, I will love you God.’
(Ian McIntosh & Jenn Johnson, 2010)