Can You See The Light?

The end of the pandemic seems like a far away light at the end of an endless tunnel. Where I live, things look relatively normal, but I know that in many other parts of the world ‘back to normal’ is still unimaginable.

What is it like for you? Can you see the light? Are you hopeful that relief is on its way?

It’s not easy to see the light when darkness is all around us. The Lord spoke through Isaiah to warn the people:

”Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.” (Isaiah 8:12-13)

This warning is also for us. I don’t know what circumstances you face today, but I know that God does not want you to fear what is happening in the world. Life’s circumstances do not control us. When we shift our focus onto God, we revere who is truly in control of our lives and the world around us.

Read today’s passage. Isaiah gives the people hope. We have the benefit today of knowing that this child has already come. Jesus has already been born and given to us! Our Messiah has already come and he has made a way for us to know this God worth fearing.

But take a look at chapter 9 verse 1: ”Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.”

Isaiah does not just point to Jesus’ birth and kingship. He also points the people to what is to come after this child’s birth. This freedom from distress and darkness is a hope echoed throughout the New Testament. We know that one day every tear will be wiped from our eyes. There will be no more sorrow nor pain nor heartache nor illness. The actualization of this hope is already here and on its way.

We are able to know this Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace personally.

He provides us counsel like no other.

By his Spirit, he imparts his matchless power to us to overcome temptation.

He is the perfect Father who cares and disciplines without sinning.

He gives us peace that is nowhere to be found here on earth.

This hope is not meant for you to keep to yourself. Who do you know that needs to see this light today?

Thank you, Lord, for your gift of Christ. Thank you for your kingship over my life and the world around me. Forgive me for times when I’ve lacked faith in you. Help me to trust you more and to look forward to the hope of being reunited with you in heaven. I want to share this hope with others. Show me how I can live in a way that honors you more today.

Throughout this Day: Consider who might need to hear this message of hope today. Ask that person if they would like to hear about the hope that is helping you push through these difficult times. Invite the Holy Spirit to prepare your heart to listen and their heart to be ready to receive this hope.

Song: Wonderful Counselor, Handel's Messiah