Bible in a Year:
At that time you were separate from Christ. . . . without hope and without God in the world.
I lay on my bed full of stale liquor and despair, wrote journalist Malcolm Muggeridge of a particularly dismal evening during his work as a World War II spy. Alone in the universe, in eternity, with no glimmer of light.
In such a condition, he did the only thing he thought sensible; he tried to drown himself. Driving to the nearby Madagascar coast, he began the long swim into the ocean until he grew exhausted. Looking back, he glimpsed the distant coastal lights. For no reason clear to him at the time, he started swimming back toward the lights. Despite his fatigue, he recalls an overwhelming joy.
Muggeridge didnt know exactly how, but he knew God had reached him in that dark moment, infusing him with a hope that could only be supernatural. The apostle Paul wrote often about such hope. In Ephesians he noted that, before knowing Christ, each of us is dead in [our] transgressions and sins . . . . without hope and without God in the world (2:1, 12). But God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead (vv. 45).
This world tries to drag us into the depths, but theres no reason to succumb to despair. As Muggeridge said about his swim in the sea, It became clear to me that there was no darkness, only the possibility of losing sight of a light which shone eternally.
What has been your darkest moment? In what places have you glimpsed the light that shines eternally?
Father, Youre the source of all my genuine hope. Fill me with Your light and joy.
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Finally made it through hump day. I wasn’t sure I would make it after yesterday’s problem from start to finish.
Hope your week is going well so far. Mixers coming along?