FINDING LIGHT IN DARKNESS

Finding Light In Darkness

Life is inevitably filled with trials, as Job acknowledged in Job 14:1. But as the poet Grace Noll Crowell reminds us, there is always light, even on the darkest days. Her poem, “May Love and Laughter,” beautifully captures this sentiment, echoing the messages found in scripture:

                                               May love and laughter light you

                                               down the pathway of the year,

                                               May the morning's golden wonder

feed you with its cheer. 

May every eye be shining,

and every heart aglow,

And may the silver lining

of the clouds forever show.

  May envy find no dwelling,

and hatred find no room,

May you rejoice in telling

your brother's better bloom.

May you be glad you're living,

however dark the day,

And find your joy in giving

your all along the way.

This poem reminds us that even in suffering, love and laughter can guide us. As Jesus said in John 16:33, despite the tribulations of the world, we can find peace through faith in Him.

 Crowell's words, "May the morning's golden wonder feed you with its cheer," reflect the idea of renewal and new beginnings. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning, offering a fresh start. Just as the sunrise brings light to the world, faith offers a new life in Christ. The poem then speaks of the inner light, "May every eye be shining, and every heart aglow, and may the silver lining of the clouds forever show," mirroring the hope found in Romans 8:28, that all things work together for good for those who love God. Even in dark times, there is a promise of good.

 Crowell also addresses negative emotions: "May envy find no dwelling, and hatred find no room," which aligns with the biblical call to love and forgive. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 describes charity as patient, kind, and free from envy, urging us to let go of negativity to find true joy.

 The poem concludes with a call to service and contentment: "May you be glad you're living, however dark the day, and find your joy in giving your all along the way." This reflects Jesus' teachings in Matthew 6:33, to seek God's kingdom first. By focusing on serving God and others, our burdens lighten. Therefore, even when life is difficult, we can find strength in love, laughter, and faith, embracing the hope that shines even in the darkest moments, knowing that God's grace and mercy are always with us.                                                                                             

                                                                                     ~Casey Clement

 >PS. Thanks to Stan Fortenberry for sharing this poem with me. It is a powerful reminder of how we ought to be as Christians.

>PSS. Each day this week, make it a point to randomly pray to God, thanking Him for the hope He offers, and share that hope with one person each day.