I’ve been spending time with my family after being away far too much over the last month…and today I’m practicing for my Christmas tour that kicks off this weekend. No time to share new words, but these words from a Christmas past are still relevant. While you wait, remember and believe.
The Old Testament ends with two commands from the prophet Malachi. He tells God’s people to remember: Remember that God has done great things for you. Then he tells them to believe: Believe God’s not through doing great things for you.
Remember. Moses, manna, water gushing from a rock, the Law written down by the finger of God on a mountaintop. Remember.
Believe. Believe that no matter how much darkness comes your way God will not abandon you, forget you. He will rescue. Believe.
Then the prophet put down his pen and for the next 400 years the Israelites changed hands from empire to empire. Syrians. Persians. Greeks. Romans.
400 years. Some have called them the “darkest” in Jewish history.
Why? The Jews had known this kind of poverty, persecution and powerlessness before.
Why were these years the darkest?
Because God was the quietest.
Silent.
For 400 years not a syllable was spoken by God to his suffering children. No prophets. No miracles.
Nothing but darkness.
And waiting, remembering, believing.
Then, one night, an angel appeared to shepherds watching their flocks. And light shone all around them. And Heaven sent a message to earth.
Before songs of joy there were cries of sorrow. Before peace on earth there was conflict. Before healing came hurt. Before the Light of the World there was darkness. Before the Word became flesh God was silent.
Wait. Remember all the great things God has done. Believe that He’s not through doing them.
Wait. Your star will come.
NancyTyler says:
One of my favorites, and just at the right time.
Thank you, friend.
Holly Barrett says:
Totally needed to hear this today, Shaun. Thanks so much!
Kris says:
I’ve been thinking about you, and wondering how you are processing the recent trip, etc. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Thank you for sharing this beauty here. Praying for you, Man. God bless you in the quiet.
Thomas says:
What if the darkness the quietness has gotten to the point you cannot believe anymore? What if you cannot see the supposed great things God has done for you? What if the hope the trust is gone?
Christine says:
Praying for you, Thomas.
Angie says:
A word I needed to hear right now.
Thank you.
Heather says:
This post changed my life when it was first published a few years ago! It’s one of my most favorite blog posts I’ve ever read…anywhere. I was in a dark place and these words were such comfort to me.
Thanks for reposting these beautiful words.