WALKING FORWARD IN THE LIGHT: Part 2

The Healing Grace of God

We live in a very complex world that daily, challenges us to make choices as we transition from one situation or season in our life to another, trying to decide what path to take. Often, transitions we are challenged with cause us to feel stressed & even hopeless & overwhelmed at times. Though it is natural to feel unsettled & stressed in times of transition, staying in that feeling is not healthy. The Bible tells us that God is the Light of the world. He will show us the Light for our pathway through the various transitions we face if we trust in His Holy Word.

In the Gospel of John 1:5, we read that: “Jesus is the light of the world & the light shines in the darkness & the darkness can never overcome it.”. There is healing grace given to us when we feed on the Word of God, for God is the Light of the world. When we commit ourselves to being fed on the Word of God, we will be able to walk in the Light & experience God’s healing grace. There is no doubt that as we read His Word with an open heart, His peace will gradually replace our anxiety & darkness.

We are spiritually fed by God’s Word through prayer & also through worship. I have included in this month’s sermon, some verses from the Bible that have fed my spirit in times of transition & that I hope will feed your soul as well, as together we all seek to grow in the comfort, wisdom & grace of our Holy Living God. I find it helpful to read one verse each day & to pray & meditate on that verse throughout the day. Here are five Scriptures for those dark days, hopefully helping you to step into the Light to feed & nurture your soul:

Psalm 46:1-2: “God is our refuge & strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though the waters roar & foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult.”

Regardless of the pressure or stress you are facing, God is present & He can provide peace in the midst of chaos.

Psalm 61:1-2: “Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you are my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy.”

We can cry out to God to give us strength & courage & wisdom to face overwhelming situations before us.

Psalm 121:1-3, 8: “I lift up my eyes to the hills; from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven & earth. The Lord will keep your going out & your coming in from this time on & forevermore.”

The Lord is our keeper. The same God who made the heavens & the earth will protect us forever more.

Isaiah 40:28-31: “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable, those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall run & not be weary, they shall walk & not faint.”

God is steadfast in His love for us. He will empower us & strengthen us to do what He calls us to do.

Matthew 19:26: “All things are possible with God. His Grace is sufficient”

There are many verses of comfort, encouragement & strength throughout the Bible. Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to our Known God. Trust in the Lord & walk in His light & you will find your way through all the transitions of your life.  AMEN

~Posted by Rev Kathryn Bindig, MDiv. MS; Pastoral Care Minister with assistance from Rich Muscatello; Director of Business Development & Strategy