LIGHT IN THE LAND OF DARKNESS
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
Isaiah 9:2 (NLT)
Darkness can be terrifying—it certainly is for my four-year-old. If he had it his way, we'd leave every light in his room (and the rest of the house) on all night. Whether it's literal darkness or the metaphorical kind—times of confusion, despair or uncertainty—it's easy to feel lost, alone and afraid. The people of Israel knew this feeling well. Isaiah's prophecy in chapter 9 was spoken during a time of great spiritual and political darkness. Israel had turned away from God, and they found themselves oppressed and without hope. Yet, amid this darkness, Isaiah gives a word of hope: the promise of a great light.
This light wasn't just a metaphor for better days ahead; it was a prophecy about the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He is the great light who would pierce through the deepest darkness, bringing hope, redemption and salvation to all who walk in despair. In John 8:12, Jesus proclaimed, "I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life."
C.S. Lewis once said, I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. The coming of Christ not only brings light into our personal darkness, but it also illuminates everything else in our lives. It gives us clarity, purpose, and hope, even in the bleakest times.
We all go through seasons where we feel like we're living in a land of darkness. Maybe it's the darkness of grief, depression or uncertainty about the future. In these moments, it's easy to believe the light will never come. But Isaiah's prophecy reminds us that God's light will always break through. No matter how dark the night seems, the dawn is coming. Jesus is that dawn. He is the light that can shine into every corner of our lives, no matter how deep the darkness may seem.
The darkness may be overwhelming, but the light of Christ is always greater. And just as the sun rises after the darkest night, His light will rise in your life, bringing hope and new life.
APPLICATION: If you're walking through a season of darkness right now, take heart. God's light is near. Spend time reflecting on Jesus as the Light of the World. Consider reading John 1 or John 8 and meditate on the promises of Christ's light in your life. Pray for His light to shine into the dark areas of your heart and circumstances, and ask Him to guide your steps as you walk toward hope and healing.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live in the light, as You are in the light. Help me to shine for You like a city on a hill. Grant me endurance and perseverance in a dark world. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?