"For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth." Psalm 26:3
Have you ever gone roaming through the grassy fields, the park, or your backyard in search for a four-leaf clover? Such a thing is rare to find and requires some luck! And in honor of St. Patrick's Day, I want to highlight one moment that exemplifies more than luck, but faith and trust. (P.S. - Hope you're wearing green as you're reading this)
Maybe you recognize these words:
"Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me save that thou art.
Thou my best thought, by day and by night,
Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light."
This incredible hymn can be traced back to the servanthood of St. Patrick, the first Christian Missionary in Ireland. In the 5th century, the king at the time issued a decree that prohibited the lighting of fires or candles in accordance with a festival celebration. St. Patrick, on the other hand, had full faith and sought to praise God no matter what. In an act of worship and allowing God's light to shine above all things, St. Patrick scaled the tallest hill, Slane Hill, and lit a fire for all to see. And the king, rather than executing Patrick for his disobedience, was impressed by Patrick's loyalty and devotion to God and allowed him to continue serving as a missionary. Centuries later, in honor of St. Patrick's faithfulness, a poem was written that is now known to be the lyrics of the famous hymn Be Thou My Vision.
Although there is a great amount of time between the story of St. Patrick and the creation of the hymn, one thing remains: there is a peace and fulfillment that comes with faith in God. St. Patrick held tremendous faith as he lit the hill on fire to signify God's light shining in the darkness. The song proclaims the truths that God's ways are greater than our own. As we go about today, may we embrace God's grace that shines so bright, just as both the fire and faith of St. Patrick did on Slane Hill.
Prayer: Father God, may You be our vision, O Lord of our hearts. Dismissing our ways, our selfish desires, our worldly pleasures, and acknowledging Your will. May our hearts eagerly seek to be a light that helps the lost and the broken see You. Give us the strength to stand firm on our faith, that no matter what happens, our path is guided by You and only You. To You be the glory, the honor, and the praise forever. Amen.
