In the Middle

The pillar of cloud also moved
from in front and stood behind them,
coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel.
Throughout the night
the cloud brought darkness to the one side
and light to the other side;
so neither went near the other all night long.
[Ex 14:19b-20 emph added]

Trouble-filled clouds billow in, casting shadows far and wide.

Concern lingers like a thick blanket covering outlook.

Cares of this world in hot pursuit.

Camping itself between worry and faith --

Egypt and Israel.



Stuck in the middle --

Darkness on one side, light on the other,

Kept apart by forces within.

Forces of the Presence of God dwelling within.

Throughout all watches of the night.



Keep the enemy of my hope at bay, Lord. Through this night, bring light.

By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud
to guide them on their way
and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light,
so that they could travel by day or night.

Neither the pillar of cloud by day
nor the pillar of fire by night
left its place in front of the people.
[Ex 13:21-22]

Day or night, the Lord is present.

When clouds block God from view,

Be reminded,

His Presence is with His people.



Guiding by day,

Giving light by night,

Travel on, pilgrim.



Lead on, Lord, day or night. Thank you for being more visible in the night -- when Light is most needed. Father of all mercy, help me to see You in this cloud, in times when night falls heavy around me.

For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"
made his light shine in our hearts
to give us the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God
in the face of Christ.
[2 Cor 4:6]

As Jesus, the Holy One of God, trod this earthen sod

He sought out and entered those dark places,

Opting not to lounge in sunlight.

Rather, giving the light of the knowledge of God's glory

Reflected in His world-weathered face.



Reflecting light upon those in darkness;

Desperate for healing,

Demon-possessed,

Blind, suffering, lost, and oppressed.



He communed with Father God in the dark of early morning,

He waged holy war of temptations in desert darkness,

He despaired in the dark of the garden,

He walked in the dark of the shadow of His Cross.



He redeemed life from darkness to light --

Making us Daughters of Light.

Leaving the light of His love in our hearts,

In the middle of His treasured creation and the world.

Opposing forces --

Egypt and Israel.



May Your Light within cast out any darkness I might add to this world. Thank You for entering those dark places and shining Your Glorious Light. I'm ever thankful to be stuck in the middle of Your Light within creating a barrier and protective diversion from the dark in the world without.