Building One Another  

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11

Be a Candle on the Water!

Dear Friend,

In the 1977 Disney movie, “Pete’s Dragon,” the leading lady, Nora (Helen Reddy), stands on the top level of a lighthouse. With the bright light shining behind her as a “candle on the water,” she sings the song of hope, “Candle on the Water” to her fiancé who is lost at sea. You may listen to it on Youtube.

“I'll be your candle on the water, this flame inside of me will grow. Keep holding on you'll make it, here's my hand so take it, look for me, reaching out to show, as sure as rivers flow, I'll never let you go, I'll never let you go, I'll never let you go.” ^[1]

One day I was listening to that song and suddenly I heard the song as if Jesus was singing the song to me! It was a hugely comforting moment! Jesus often spoke similar words “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1

The song speaks to our down moments, “A cold and friendless tide has found you, don't let the stormy darkness pull you down. I'll paint a ray of hope around you…”

Allow Jesus to be your candle on the water.

Then be a candle on the water yourself. Be the person whose words and presence offer hope and help in the midst of someone else’s stormy darkness.

Joy to you – Stan

© Copyright 2022 E. Stanley Ott

Scripture from the ESV

‍^[1] By Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn Disney Pictures 1977

"Candle on the Water" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGbsrrkZm1s

1. What are some moments in your life when a "cold and friendless tide has found you," and you sense the comforting presence of the Lord who loves you?
2. Consider the people in your life. When they think of you, do they sense in you a candle in the water, a source of hope and direction in the midst of their darkness?

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash