Psalm 32:8

It was that moment in not being able to sing that made her stop, stop and finally listen to some of the words of the Christmas songs.  “Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother; and in His name all oppression shall cease.”  “Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinner reconciled.”  “What a glorious mystery: Once a babe in Bethlehem, now the Lord of history.”  She listened, silent, wishing to sing, feeling conspicuous.  Those around her sang on, finally coming to the last song, the one about candles.  “Take your candle, go light your world.”  Those words, so true…but she ached deep, feeling that she had little that would shine bright.  How could her life, at times so muddy and messy, bring light?  Thoughts kept pouring in; in the silence of not being able to sing, she was reminded of the spiritual battle.  That the father of all lies was doing his best to steal her joy, to make her drown in worry and the “what ifs,” to make her forget Who truly loved her.  That the One who made her was faithful. 


  “The Lord says,’I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.  I will advise you and watch over you.’” (Psalm 32:8)