Daily Light: Reflections for Holy Times - Desperate

Daily Reflections for Holy Times: Desperate by Michael Popovici

Psalm 30: 11-12 NRSV 10 Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!
O Lord, be my helper!” 11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;you have taken off my sackcloth
and clothed me with joy,
12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

My work as a criminal defense investigator places me in the midst of desperate places and desperate lives. For me, somehow it’s always surprising how many people involved in or on the periphery of cases believe in Christ. These past weeks I’ve walked into many destitute homes to interview witnesses. The walls and ceilings seem to be held together by nothing more than rotted wood, paint, and wallpaper. Yet, the decay fades as I sit before the striking presence of a person abiding in a moment of eternity to share their life, the depths of their soul, and the blessing of their impoverished spirit.

You see, each person has endured the evils of this world with its oppressive prejudices and enslaving surroundings. They have been trapped in a world vulnerable to crime, hunger, disease, and all the other ailments of the darkest of societies. But, the world’s relentless crushing of their humanity is insignificant next to the painful reality of their own persistent failings against the unquenchable demands of God’s purity.

But, they tell me they know Christ. Then, unexpectedly, I’m invited to their party – a party of grace. God is there inviting me, with this person I’ve just met, to dance with Him, stepping on His toes, missing steps, and falling from our clumsiness. But He is there allowing us to learn His moves, with His perfect instruction, giving us the freedom to flail and fail when we want to do our own dance. All the while, He keeps holding our hands as we feel the pain of our twisted, staggered steps.

Then, there is a glimpse of heaven, life, and light in the blessedness of our poor spirits, for we are continually loved by Him no matter our messing up the party. We dance together into eternity and into our God-given perfection. The party is now and forever in Christ, our sweet Lord and Savior.

Michael Popvici is a Retreat House Covenant Partner.

This excerpt is part of Retreat House’s Daily Light series. To sign up to receive these, email us.