A Fountain of Life and Light

For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. – (Psalm 36:9, NIV) 

The fountain of life flows from You. Your light lets us see light. – (Psalm 36:9, ERV) 

You have the fountain of life that quenches our thirst. Your light has opened our eyes and awakened our souls. – (Psalm 36:9, VOICE) 

 

Spending time in a major city seems to open my eyes to where there is light and where it is lacking. Though that may be an alarmingly obvious statement, given the sizable homeless population that tends to reside in the downtown area of all major cities, I am actually speaking of the individuals with whom I had direct interaction – be it a cashier or a server or concierge, not just a smile, nod or “hello” on the street. Incidentally, I had several different conversations with a variety of folks, many of which were students from the nearby university. One seemed to be a bit distraught, as I asked her how her day was going. Between a late arrival to work, upcoming finals, and concern about making it home for the holidays, she was stressed and short on hope. I extended encouragement and wished her well throughout our brief conversation, and I now pray for the peace of God to be present as she navigates the next few weeks. When the light of the Lord is lacking, we are called to be His light, as His light within us, is made to illuminate the darkness. May we ever seek and depend on the Lord, who is the fountain of life that quenches our thirst and the light that opens our eyes and awakens our souls. 

 

God is a fountain,

For each thirsty soul; 

He’ll fill and refresh, 

Restore and make whole. 

The light of the Lord, 

Opens eyes to see; 

Awakens the soul, 

To grace that sets free. 

Where there is no hope, 

God’s light makes hope known; 

Run to the Fountain, 

Where true love is shown. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are our Source of light and life and hope. Thank You that we can come to You and be filled, so that we can truly see. Forgive us for our tunnel vision that keeps us from seeing what surrounds us. Teach us to see the world through Your eyes, so that we would be ever aware of where Your light is lacking and shine Your love in such spaces. Show us how to love those around us who are hopeless or hurting or stuck in dark spots. Help us to extend light and life and hope in tangible ways. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we rely on You to be our fountain of life and light, and seek You to show us life through the light of Your loving lens. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. – John 1:5

The Fountain of Life

“For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” – (Psalm 36:9) Without Christ, we are stuck in our own sin and darkness, and death is the only doorway before us.  With Him, life and light flood our future with possibilities presented through His redemption.  God is the light of the world, and in Him there are no shadows.

The imagery presented by David in this particular Psalm, offers much comfort.  I imagine myself on a hot summer’s day, standing in the center of His fountain – where the water never runs out, and my form is flooded with the warmth of His light.  Love surrounds as His hope saturates.  His promise of a hope and a future, are present for all who come and call on His Name.

For You are the Source,

from which all life flows;

the Light of the world,

the peace my heart knows.

May those trapped in sin,

come to find release;

as they seek Your face,

grant Your lasting peace.

Bring comfort and grace,

to all those in need;

let light flood darkness,

O Father, Godspeed.

May all that we do,

each word that we say;

offer light and life,

show people Your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are the fountain of life.  Thank You that in Your light, we see and understand light.  Thank You that You are loving and kind, patient and full of grace.  Thank You that You surround and saturate us with mercy and unfailing love.  Forgive us for being blinded by our own sinfulness, and for running from the rains of Your fountain that washes us clean.  Teach us to trust You more, so that we are quick to come to You in all things and at all times.  May we embrace the mercy and grace that You freely give, and in turn, extend the same to all whom we encounter.  Let us love You and those around us, as You love us.  May we shine Your light and life into the world.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of Your love; in Your great mercy turn to me.                – Psalm 69:16

A song that came to mind – Let it Rain, by Jesus Culture.  (Click the link to have a listen.)