“Bring New Light into the Dark Caverns of Pessimism” with The Rev. Dr. M. L. King, Jr

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is quoted, albeit briefly, in the current edition of our United Methodist Hymnal. That seven line litany entitled God Is Able is powerful enough on its own, but here’s the context from which it comes, found in a sermon by Dr. King —

It is faith in God that we must rediscover. With this faith we can transform bleak and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of joy and bring new light into the dark caverns of pessimism.

Is someone here moving toward the twilight of life and fearful of that which we call death? Why be afraid? God is able. Is someone here on the brink of despair because of the death of a loved one, the breaking of a marriage, of the waywardness of a child? Why despair? God is able to give you the power to endure that which cannot be changed. Is someone here anxious because of bad health? Why be anxious? Come what may, God is able.

May that set-up to what many only know as a great piece of liturgy help us with our own faith this very day, and in the times to come: It is faith in God that we must rediscover. With this faith we can transform bleak and desolate valleys into sunlit paths of joy and bring new light into the dark caverns of pessimism.