To Zimbabwe with Love

God Light for Your Journey

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105

     Every New Year brings the excitement of new beginnings and fresh starts. The future beckons with mystery and holds unlimited potential for change, improvement and happiness. Even the most cynical privately anticipate and wonder what their future holds.”

     But whatever your future, journey in the light of God. When in doubt, trust this light for guidance and decision making. How does one get divine light? The truth of the matter is simple. Spiritual light is generous in all people, and can be cultivated. Consider these three ideas for your daily practice:

     1. Lighting a candle is one of the easiest ways to develop a sense of sacred space and holy presence. The simple act of lighting the candle can quickly become a cherished ritual. In the flickering light, prayers take on new power. Try it and contemplate God's light in your life, the lives of others, and throughout the world.

     2. Or perhaps sunsets and sunrises speak to your soul's well being. If that is the case, insist on such moments of beauty and enjoy these wondrous, graced moments of God light. The God of sunrises and sunsets is eager to hear from you. Use these times to develop a closer relationship with your Creator. It is as simple as breathing.

     3. Finally, cultivate the intentional practice of reading sacred words. Today's Psalm serves as a reminder that God's words bring a light to our common paths, assisting each person's journey throughout life.

     The Psalms are a cherished universal and trusted prayer book. Reading them daily can be an unforgettable experience with the Holy. People find them powerful sources of strength—the sacred words teach the language of prayer through good times and bad, praying both joys and concerns, giving vent to our deepest feelings of lament, fear, anger, praise, thanksgiving, supplication and revenge.

     Sometimes a word, phrase, or a sentence from the Psalter will linger in hearts, encouraging even the most desperate and troubled souls. As you read and pray through the Psalms, you will find abundant spiritual light for each day's journey, sustaining and strengthening your soul.

     Whether you light a candle of faith, pause for sunsets and sunrises, or muse over holy words—continue to walk in the God light you know and the path before you will be illuminated one step at a time. May you have a blessed New Year.

Prayer: O Light Divine, illuminate my path and soul with Your beauty and brilliance. Shine brightly throughout Zimbabwe, bringing hope and healing for the hungry and sick, and peace to all her people. Amen.

Written by Rev. Dr. Sandra Bochonok
January 3, 2003
http://soulfoodministry.org
Permission is given to freely distribute this meditation and all materials posted on http://soulfoodministry.org throughout Zimbabwe.