Hope in the Darkness

Have you ever been out camping or on the outskirts of a city where there is very little light? What does it feel like to be surrounded by total darkness?

As we journey through our Christian faith, there will be times of profound joy and growth where everything feels full of light and anticipation. There will be other times when we are walking through loss, disillusionment and grief, and we feel disoriented and that darkness is closing in.

Recently, we journeyed through a mental health crisis in our family that was really disorienting. We have been on a healing journey as a family, recognizing limitations, needed growth and a reorientation of how we are engaging in life. There has also been a “shrinking” in capacity for other things as focus and time has gone into this journey of healing.

I wonder whether Israel felt that way in the silence of 400 years before the promised Messiah arrived. I wonder if hope waned and there was a sense of being surrounded by silence and darkness.

When I journey through seasons of darkness and disillusionment in my faith journey, it is easy to wonder “how long, Lord?” Yet, in God’s goodness, his timing and his way, light will come. Dawn will arrive. And renewal and hope will arise.

Heavenly Father, I admit there are seasons in my life that seem full of darkness and disillusionment. Help me focus on your goodness and presence as You take my hand and guide me through the valley to arise and see the light of dawn. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Throughout This Day: Perhaps you are in a season of joy and anticipation. Embrace this time with a faith-filled hope and a grateful heart for all that God is doing. Perhaps you are journeying through a season of darkness and disillusionment in your faith. Embrace this journey also with the hope of knowing that God is with you in the darkest night and he will see you through as his light shines in.