The construction on the road near our home has slowly progressed to the paving stage. Yesterday, in the dark, bright lights gave enough light so that the general area being paved could be seen by the workers. Not much of the road was illuminated. I thought how difficult it must be working in the dark.

What do we do in life when we cannot see or sense what feels like progress?   What do we do when we feel like we have barely enough light to illumine the way, and the way is difficult?

The Bible gives us a word to use on those occasions, but it is word that does not pass through our lips easily. The word is, ‘yet’. 

Let me illustrate this word through a passage of scripture.

“Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habbakuk 3:17-19).

Jesus himself used this tiny yet profound and intentional word.  He was nearing his death and praying to his Father when he said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me yet, not my will but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

When the way before us is not illuminated, or difficult, and we feel progress is barely noticeable, we are invited to use the word ‘yet’ because ‘yet’ propels us forward offering a new perspective of truth. The verse which follows in the Habbakkuk passage reads, “Counting on God’s Rule to prevail, I take heart and gain strength. I run like a deer. I feel like I’m king of the mountain!” (v. 20). Only the belief in God’s promised rule, the resting in his promised provisions, and hope in his promised strength enables us to say with ease, “Yet, nevertheless, I will trust.” ‘Yet’ points our eyes, hearts, and minds, to the One who does have light and does see the way ahead and who holds all things together. It is Jesus (Colossians 1:17).

I have friends who, because of the inability to cross borders at this time, cannot be united with their spouses.  I have friends who are enduring another round of chemotherapy. I have friends who for personal reasons endure great anxiety wearing a mask.  I have friends who have recently lost everything in a housefire. We each know people who find themselves in situations where only the Spirit of God can give them the word ‘yet.’ That person may also be you.  In Psalm 31 the writer has a heart to heart with the living God.  He says, “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord” (22, 24). 

Today, may the Spirit of God enable us to speak the word ‘yet’ and may we pray for others who need to know the God who enables the voicing of this word ‘yet’.

Chris Tomlin uses the word ‘yet’ beautifully in this song, inviting us to broaden our vision, considering not only our lives but the lives of all those in our city and nation. We are to know that our God is alive and active and “Greater things are yet to come!” Hallelujah for the word ‘yet!’   Look it up and sing along! 

God of this City

You're the God of this city
You're the King of these people
You're the Lord of this nation
You are

You're the light in this darkness
You're the hope to the hopeless
You're the peace to the restless
You are

There is no one like our God
There is no one like our God

For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city

We believe, we believe in you, God

Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done in this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Greater things, still to be done here.

God our Father, as your loved children, strengthen our trust in you so that we might use, with confidence, the word, ‘yet.’

Jesus, you used the word ‘yet’ as you extended full trust in the will of your Father.  Teach us to follow your example.

Spirit, in the tensions and uncertainties of life, bring comfort and hope to our ‘yet’ situations, as only you can.

We pray this for ourselves, our city, and our nation. AMEN

With care and in prayer,