Waiting for Worthy

I lay there, listening to the 3 am alarm blare next to my head, “There will be joy in the morning.” I pulled the duvet over my face as the morning coolness of the fan above nipped my nose. I wanted to stay under the warmth of the covers and the security of my bed, but a new morning was calling after me, all knowing that my protection was not in the place I physically lay, but rather where my hope lay. I pulled the covers back, looked up at the spinning fan, and through my poofy, tear-stained eyes, I thanked the Lord for another day of breath. I reached over to turn off the alarm as it continued to sing “If it’s not good, then He’s not done, No, He’s not done with it yet. Hold on to the morning. There will be joy,” I listened closely as I picked up my phone, hoping that the continuance of the alarm would not wake up the entire household. The song steadily reminded me of another purposeful day that the Lord had made. I sat up as I hit dismiss and swiped it away from my screen. I wiped the midnight and yesterday’s battles from my eyes and clung to the promises of God in that early morning moment. I silently prayed, “Mercy and grace follow my feet as I place them on the floor. May your unshakable love guide me on your path of righteousness. Where you lead, I will follow. “Let me hear of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.” 

God’s steadfast hope led me to the foot of the bed, where I kneel every morning to pray alongside my husband. This foundation of morning worship was a vital and necessary source of life for our souls. This repetitive act guards our hearts and grounds us in truth, love, and loyalty, before our days begin, even when the crispness of a fall morning and the luxury of a warm bed seem more fitting for the weary, worn-out soul.

“Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5 (NIV) 

My soul is awakened to the recorded verses of the psalmist. The enemies that had been fighting to steal his joy the day before have been swiped away like the dismiss button on my phone. The hope and joy of God arose in the morning with him. His safeguard was the hope of God. There were no covers God could not hear under, caves God could not hear into, or pits that God could not reach into. The psalmist’s hope, even after a night’s worth of tears, is that the steadfast and secure foundation of God’s character is under his feet, leading his night into a morning filled with joy. He remembers “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my request before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 (NIV) 

I pray your tears of yesterday are turned into overwhelming joy this morning!

Sheri Griffin

Illuminating God

“When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” Exodus 34:29 (ESV)

The kids’ faces gleamed with anxiousness and anticipation as we stirred, poured, molded, and added the last of the properly measured ingredients of the “Create your own Glowing Volcano” science project. The instruction manual was highlighted in italics. “Follow measurements according to directions.” We executed the first thirteen steps exactly as instructed in the booklet. The evening drew near, and so did our excitement. We stared wide-eyed and intently at the plastered volcano while it dried, right down to the buzzing of the timer. Great expectations began to well up inside us as we mixed the last of the enclosed packet. We poured it into the center of the volcano and turned off the lights. To our wondrous surprise, the volcano began to illuminate our dining room as lava-like gel bubbled from its core. Suddenly, the molded mountain began to rock and fizz. Orange and red lava began to spew upward, and 

“kaboom!” The volcano erupted with a rumbling roar. Our concoction splattered fluorescent colors all over the ceiling, curtains, walls, table, and us! We hesitated in our moment of shock, and then we looked at each other, raising our hands in the air with glee. We laughed and shouted for joy. Tears brimmed in my eyes as the kids and I shared our emotions. We were glowing fluorescent orange and red along with the surfaces of our home! Little did we know that if we had read further along in the instruction booklet, the experiment included an exploding experience that was supposed to be done outdoors. We appreciated the glow for several days, even after washing our clothes. They, like our home, remained stained with a fluorescent hue for weeks. 

Moses desired to see God in all his splendor and Glory, and God fulfilled his servant’s heart during an intimate encounter with God on the mountain of Sinai between the rock of Horeb. God’s majestic light presence remained with Moses after the covenant law was established, illuminating his entire face.

Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.” Exodus 34:29b (ESV)

When Moses was in the presence of God, he would unveil his face and soak in God’s glory. His face would radiate from close communion with God, making it visible to others that in God’s presence, the experience is evident. Moses’ relationship with God was both transformational and ongoing. Moses’ face often lost its radiance and required restoration. This was only possible after being in the company of God. Our countenance, too, can reflect God’s powerful and gleaming glory. Our morning devotional time, intimate prayers, or a humbling church service should emanate from our souls, reflecting God’s glorious light that enlightens our lives and reveals His holiness. God’s holiness, when unveiled, can erupt from our hearts and faces, illuminating His light for the world to see. 

Sheri Griffin