I had written a note in the margin from a previous study that expanded my understanding of the phrase, in your light do we see light. Read that same phrase as "in your light do we experience life".
Is that true? Do I view my life through the lens of the light - the presence - of God? To follow the theme of my devotional, do I view my life and all I have as a result of the generosity of God? As I sat with that thought this morning, I reflected on all that I have been blessed with, both material things and the intangible things. We in this country have so much and what we don't have is easily accessible. If we can't get to a certain store in a matter of a few minutes, we can shop for anything and everything from the comforts of home via the internet.
My husband and I are working towards downsizing and the cleaning-out that has to precede that eventual move. What a herculean task it seems to be! I can think of one attic and break out in a cold sweat. How is it that we have accumulated all this STUFF, so much of which will be donated to Goodwill or sold at a yard sale or on Craig's List? That really is ridiculous! How can I fully appreciate the generosity of God when I have so much that's disposable?
The past few years have resulted in a readjustment of my attitude toward this issue, the heart of which is God's presence, purpose and provision in my life. These years have been a time of refiner's fire and it has most definitely NOT been comfortable or easy. What I've come to see is the great goodness of God, the amazing and surprising ways he has answered YEARS of prayers and his sustaining hand on me as I tried to weather some horrendous storms. As a result, I've come to see God's generosity in astonishing ways. His gifts of life and salvation, the gift of those near and dear to me who were Jesus "with skin on", and the gift of new beginnings that I never expected. When I take the time to sit and reflect on all of these things, it truly feels like I've been experiencing the outpouring of God's fountain of life, drinking from the river of your delights, and feasting on the abundance of your house. The Lord has opened my eyes wider to see and KNOW more of his nature: his love, goodness, protection, provision, steadfast love and faithfulness. These are the true THINGS that matter most in this life - not that attic full of stuff that seemed so important and necessary when they were first purchased. The true value is in the life I live as a result of having been purchased by Christ, the grace to live and experience life in the light of God's presence. Lately, in my prayer times, I've found myself carried away in praise, worshiping the holy God I serve, even reflecting on the many ways his creation brings glory to its Creator - from the tiniest seed or blade of grass to the amazing beauty of the mountains and the oceans.
How gracious and generous is our God!
Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD.
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart!
(Psalm 36:5-10 ESV)
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