THE TREASURES OF DARKNESS

"I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored

 in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord,

 the God of Israel, who summons you by name." Is. 45:3 NIV

 

Prior to a different season, a different suffering

many years ago, I was spiritually assured

that in Jesus I would have joy

irrespective of circumstances

It was true then. It's true now

 

This has been a most amazing

year and a half; an ingathering

of priceless treasures in deepest darkness

 

I've discovered more about God's faithfulness

and loving-kindness than I ever knew before

more about His promise to never leave or forsake me

more about His presence and the reality of His comfort

 

With my heart so heavy laden

He Who is acquainted with grief

sent ministering angels with vials of balm

As I stumbled through dim, shadowy valleys

He shone Light on my pathways

I received peace that surpasses understanding

unfathomable love, even boundless joy

and sweet intimacy with the Lover of my soul

 

Jesus has become more

my Heavenly Bridegroom

than I ever let Him be before

He is all I need

 

O beloved husband

I am certain of your intercession

for me behind Heaven's veil

I believe you are pleased

(and perhaps somewhat surprised)

at how I have fared here without you

 

Dear one, Christ remains our center

you, His bride in Glory

and I, His bride on Earth

 

Maude Carolan

 

This week I learned of two friends whose husbands passed away. Both were married for many years. I came upon the above poem, written in 2005, one and a half years after my former husband, Leo F. Carolan went to be with the Lord. God's loving faithfulness was deeply evident to me during bereavement. I pray that these two dear newly widowed friends will experience the same manifestivation of God's love and the peace that surpasses understanding.

 

 

I also wish to report that I attended the Inaugural Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C. on Monday, January 21st. My pastor, Rabbi Jonathan Cahn, author of the NY Times bestseller, "The Harbinger", was the key note speaker. About 700 people were in attendance as Rabbi Cahn led us in prayer for our president, our nation, as well as for repentance and revival. It was a deeply profound presentation. God bless you, my pastor.

 

Sometimes "Ordinary Rocks" aren't ordinary at all...

ORDINARY ROCKS

 

We see every kind

everywhere every day,

ordinary rocks...

pebbles, stones, boulders,

fossil, shale, gravel,

gray, brown, black,

russet, rose, ecru,

speckled, smooth,

flat, jagged, oval,

dull, dirty,

glittery

rocks

so ordinary

we hardly notice them at all

unless we stumble over one

in the path along our way.

 

God could’ve made all rocks

ordinary,

but instead

He astounds us

with fiery magnificence.

Inside of some

He put emeralds,

amethysts, opals,

diamonds,

star sapphires,

blood red rubies.

 

 

 

He dazzles us

with extraordinary treasures

inside ordinary earthy rocks,

like the Unsurpassable Treasure

He longs to put

within our ordinary earthy selves.

 

Maude Carolan

Many years ago I saw an exhibit of gemstones at The Museum of Natural History in New York City. I was astonished by the incredible beauty hidden inside ordinary looking rocks, until the rocks were cut open and the bedazzling precious gems revealed. I wondered how many of these gems will never be discovered and will remain hidden from our eyes, for the pleasure of God alone.

The above poem was one of a series included in a small chapbook entitled, "God Could've", now out-of-print.

 

On The Road to Emmaus

MY EMMAUS

 

When I first found You

or You found me

I thought I'd go

from strength to strength

pinnacle to pinnacle

joy to joy

and so it was for a season

when love was new

 

then the whirlwind came

thrashing through my world

upending all my securities

leaving me stunned, broken, alone

certain I would die

 

so I waited for You to save me

waited for the prayers

pleaded at Your scarred feet

to avail their just reward

for I believed in You

trusted, hoped

Eyes veiled, I couldn't find You

failed to recognize You

along the road

 

Had I believed

in vain?

 

Then You began to speak

not audibly, but

whenever I opened Your Word

Radiance, Glory

Unfailing Love

sprang from the page

and became manifest

My heart blazed!

I began to shine

 

Now, on the other side of sorrow

I dare not forget

my burning heart,

Your Glorious Presence

so I abide, remembering

it is You, my Jesus

Who walks with me

along the road

 

Maude Carolan

This is part three of a three-part poem entitled The Emmaus Triptych.