Text: Isaiah 9:1-21, Isaiah 10:1-4, Psalm 2:1-12, John 3:19-21
Gordon, Andrew, and Dennis were some real troublemakers back in the day.
We only had a few hours’ warning to prepare for their arrival, and as soon as they approached, everyone knew to hide. They’d charge through town leaving destruction in their wake, then exit, never to be seen again. We were never the same after their visits. Growing up in Florida, we’d curse Gordon, Andrew, and Dennis—the hurricanes of my childhood—for years to come.
I remember Andrew the most. He arrived just before bedtime, without a hint of common houseguest courtesy. The winds howled, the trees fell, the lights flickered then remained off, as did the power. A constant cracking noise in the backyard accompanied thunderclaps and lightning bolts in the sky. Enveloped in darkness, we tried to drown out the noise—and our fear—with layers of blankets and pillows. We’d drift off for a few minutes, hoping to sleep through the night, only to be awakened by the next big BOOM!
We didn’t know if the noises we heard were in the backyard or down the road. We weren’t sure which way the storm was moving, if it was dying down, or just getting started. We didn’t know if the power would come back on in the morning, or if we’d be without lights for the week. We couldn’t see the damage for the darkness.
Sound familiar? Isaiah left us with a similar prophecy of darkness:
“They will look toward the earth and see only distress, darkness, and the gloom of affliction, and they will be driven into thick darkness.”
– Isaiah 8:22
Can we sit here for a moment? We may feel ready to skip to the next paragraph because we know what happens next, but friends, we can’t. We shouldn’t. It is only because of Jesus that we are even aware that darkness has an opposite. Let’s gather ‘round with the people of Jerusalem, desperate for morning, aching for light. Hoping it will come again soon.
“Nevertheless…
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
a light has dawned
on those living in the land of darkness.”
– Isaiah 9:1-2
Nevertheless.
We may not be able to assess the damage through the darkness, but we can approach the darkness knowing it has been defeated, knowing that light has already had the last say.
Matthew Henry said, “It is comforting to us that when things are at the darkest, that He who forms the light and creates the darkness has appointed to both their bounds and set the one over against the other.”
The Lord didn’t just put darkness and light in place; He bridged the gap between them. He sent our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace to reach through thick darkness and bring us into the light (Isaiah 9:6).
We may not know what the morning will bring, but we already know what Jesus’ work on the cross has brought. By His grace, may we remember that His light is more than enough.
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135 thoughts on "A Great Light"
What an awesome reminder that God already has the victory when we find ourselves pining for His return due to the darkness we live in. I needed this reminder today, no matter what God has already seen it all end and has the victory!
The Lord didn’t just put darkness and light in place; He bridged the gap between them. He sent our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace to reach through thick darkness and bring us into the light (Isaiah 9:6).
good morning friends
I too remember hurricane Andrew vividly. I was born and raised in Miami, FL so you can imagine the memories I have regarding natural disasters. When I transitioned from teenager to my twenties I could never understand how certain people could see the light in a mess. Or how they could be calm despite turmoil. I started to study the scriptures actively when I reached my thirties and now finally understand the true meaning of Jesus. HE is so much more than dying for our sins. As the writer this week mentioned “It is only because of Jesus that we are even aware that darkness has an opposite”. Those people I mentioned earlier knew that and that’s why they are not worried. I am so glad I now know that and can experience a peace of mind that surpasses all understanding.
This is beautiful, Ann Marie thank you for sharing Truly How Great is our God.
This is such a great reminder. That “Nevertheless” through the darkness they found light. And that for the gap between those two, we were given the Son of God. Who took our sins for us and brought us out of that darkness. This was much needed today. Praise Jesus!
His light is more than enough! Yes it is!
I didn’t know, I was in darkness until the light shone through… Thank you Jesus!
Adrienne, your simple statement reminded me of my adopted nieces and nephews who were raised in darkness, filth and abuse. Through adoption, they became family and are being raised in the light. Thank you Lord, that I too have been grafted into your family.
We coudl’ve done with that insight early on.
What a great reminder from Kaitlyn, “it is only because of Jesus that we are even aware that darkness has an opposite.” We get so used to living in evil in this world, but because of Jesus we recognize that evil and we don’t have to accept that life.
God knows the boundaries between light and dark, and He has bridged them! Love to think on how He knows the limits of the dark and how to help us through. Praise Him!
I was struck by the repetition of “In all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike.” There is nothing we can offer or sacrifice to remove God’s wrath towards our darkness, our sin. Only Jesus could atone for us, and He willingly laid His life down for us. And only then was God satisfied. Thank You Jesus!!!!
Yes Julie! I noted how many times those phrases were in the passages. Thank you for your comments.
Thank you for the insight!
Yes!! That repetition reminds me that God takes my sin seriously. And I should too. Allowing Jesus to not just save me but keep on saving me by conforming me to be more like him!
In a recent study I just finished it talks about shadows which isnt complete darkness, but neverthe less shadows are partial darkness. I might not be experiencing a truly dark place very often, but there are shadows going in and out of my life and I think in a lot of our lives. I remind myself now, that light produces that shadow so there is always light and hope on the other side. Remember that in your “shadow” moments Jesus said ” I am the light of the world.”
Real wisdom here. We all live in the shadowlands, this side of heaven. But one day… The shekinah glory of God will be all there is! Glimpses here now but full sight there for eternity.
Love that!
Love this. Thank you for sharing.
Oh Brenda, so true! You can’t have a shadow unless there is light. Brings new depth, meaning and understanding to, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.”
Hi! Even though this is the genre of prophecy, keep in mind that it had meaning for the original audience and was fulfilled for them. It had meaning for them, we just get to listen in. Looking back we can often read too much into it. The refrain you notice was important to the author, he repeats it 4 times! Looking at the plain meaning of the verse though, it says that God is still angry and his hand is still raised in anger (ready slap down more judgement), nothing about Jesus . This same phrase is also in Isaiah 5:25, again taking about the Lord’s anger. Great job to pay attention to those repeated phrases Martha :)
I get what you are saying about Isaiah saying nothing about Jesus here. But, this study is about looking for Jesus. I’m not saying to take what he says out of context, but in numerous places God is called our light, especially in John 8:12-58 where Jesus calls Himself the Light of world. Why cannot the “great light” be referencing Jesus? The Word is all about Jesus you glimpse him in every story, what difference does one connection make?
Without Jesus’ sacrifice, God would have his hand raised on us too.
I get that this was for Israel in their present, but these words shouldn’t be dismissed just because they may not make sense to everyone. God does amazing things and reusing his prophecy for today shouldn’t be something we just listen in on, but something we try to learn from.
I do see what both you ladies are saying. I mean no disrespect.
Throughout the gospels the authors reference prophesies of the Old Testament and show how Jesus fulfills them. In the Hebrew mind the world is cyclical meaning that something happens once and then can repeat. The idea that a prophecy had meaning in the moment and in the future would not have been outside of their understanding. Joseph, Moses and Jonah all had moments in their lives that were echoed in Jesus. We have the opportunity to listen in from the original audience’s perspective and in reference to Jesus, but we also listen to the living Word that speaks to us today. Hebrews 4:12
Can someone help me with the meaning of verses 9:12 and 10:4? Is it a reference to Jesus’ arms stretched out on the cross?
Hi! Even though this is the genre of prophecy, keep in mind that it had meaning for the original audience and was fulfilled for them. It had meaning for them, we just get to listen in. Looking back we can often read too much into it. The refrain you notice was important to the author, he repeats it 4 times! Looking at the plain meaning of the verse though, it says that God is still angry and his hand is still raised in anger (ready slap down more judgement), nothing about Jesus . This same phrase is also in Isaiah 5:25, again taking about the Lord’s anger. Great job to pay attention to those repeated phrases Martha :)
Thanks for your reply Jenni
Praise be to GOD!!
Social media put me in a state of despair recently. Then I heard “The Man Comes Around” by Johnny Cash. It seemed to echo these verses and gave me such peace. He reigns and will always reign. And His Kingdom is coming, kings and rulers will bow down to His name. Praise be to God that He bridged the gap between darkness and light and offered us grace.
Desperately needing prayer today as I fight the darkness in my life. Needing the transformative light and hope of Christ; the light that kills the darkness, the light that brings healing from the inside out. I listed, from our readings this morning, what exactly this hope is. Joy, increase, freedom from burdens and chains, Counsel, Peace, an all-powerful King, justice, righteousness, refuge. If only we choose to step into the light (John 3:19-21) and have our darkness exposed and traded for truth and supernatural work.
This is something I wrote a little while ago. I pray that it gives some light into your life https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1648564041824138&id=100000116739105&set=t.100000116739105&source=42&ref=bookmarks
Praying for you darling!
Wow. Thank you for sharing. That is exactly the place I am at right now, and your words were a revelation to be still, stand in His light, and fight to let Him fight FOR me. Thank you for sharing and for praying! I hope in His power to transform me into a strong, mature woman of God as He did for you.
Amy, praying for you. Asking the Lord to heal and transform your life. Grateful for you.
Praying for you! May the Lord bring peace to your heart and that Jesus will reveal his light to you daily!
Amy, saying a prayer right now for you. I pray that you seek the one true Light. I pray for healing and peace in your heart.
I found myself nodding my noggin all the way thhrugo.
Today’s words and scripture selections are literally heaven-sent. Nearly every morning, lately, I wake up with a sense of dread, wondering what has happened in the world as I slept. The darkness seems thicker than ever and chaos abounds. What a sweet balm to be reminded of the Lord’s sovereignty, even and especially in these crazy times. “Arise, shine for thy light HAS come…”
Yes! A light HAS dawned – not will dawn, HAS – and this great Light has overcome the darkness! He defeated death, conquered sin and shame to make us white as snow. Thank You Jesus for your light!
I noticed that the reading in the app only lists 9:1-12, but the print study guide has the entire chapter 9. I’m assuming the book is correct, but just wanted to point it out!
That is interesting! I’ve made a note of this. Thanks for pointing it out!
He bridged the gap! Amen!
I battle insomnia. And in the night the darkness can feel totally consuming. Lies are more prevalent and I listen to them more. Fears creep into my heart and I don’t seem to be able to reason them away. I need His light to dawn in my darkest night. May His light cast out all my darkness. My fears. My insecurities. My lies. Oh Light of the World, I need you.
Praying for you Liz.
I feel you and I’m praying for you.
Living in darkness is one thing most people yearn to defeat. It brings nothing but despondency, sorrow, anger. When I realized there was a light in my world that could never be turned off, I held on to it as tight as I could. For people who commit evil acts, they’re subject to God’s wrath… but because there’s no other way to get through to them. I think we can all agree that at some point in our lives we’ve lived in some kind of darkness. Some most than others, some longer than others. Let today be the day you CHOOSE to awaken that light that God has gifted us with. With everything going on in the world and in our personal lives, His light is the only one who can save us. It’s the only one that can mark a clear path for us. There’s so much truth to this passage and devotional and what a beautiful reminder that there is Hope. There’s always been and I pray that my SRT sisters find the light I found not too long ago that has awakened and revived me from my darkness!
Beautiful! His light truly is more than enough. I love the idea that light ALWAYS outshines darkness. Even just the smallest flashlight in a massive room will SHINE.
http://www.in-due-time.com
How beautiful that the bridge between light and darkness, day and night, is a sunrise & sunset. Jesus IS the beautiful bridge between the two. Now when looking at sunsets (let’s be honest I’m never up early enough for sunrises) I will think of a whole new reminder that I hadn’t before. I’ll see them as the beautiful grace that Jesus has bestowed on me. The bridge to God that I had torn down before, but this time the never failing bridge. Praising God for the beautiful light he has given us. And for more reminders of his love for me.
Never thought of that analogy. Sunrise-sunset…The marvelous and beautiful grace of Jesus there without fail. Even when I am not paying attention or noticing the gift. Thank you, Sarah! ☺
What an incredible HOPE we have in Christ.
I am personally so taken with the concept of waiting that was brought up today. We need to experience and be in every moment in our lives not just the good ones. It is in those dark times we have our faith built up, and where we get to then see how God breaks through the darkness.
What Hope, what victory, what peace we can have!
I’m finding it hard, sisters, how I’m trying to get some peace and calm in my life. I work to devote time to God and pray to bear the fruits of his spirit. Currently I’m having confused feelings about my relationship and even though I put it all in the hands of God, it wakes me up early with a restless body and heavy soul. And if I don’t sleep well and I’m getting more and more drained, physically and emotionally. How can I than be a good teacher and girlfriend and how can I show God’s light to the world if I’m just feeling so emotionally weak at times? And if I, with my so privileged life, feel crippled by these petty life issues, how then is it ever possible with all these grand political and societal issues in the world to let his light shine? Thankfully He is the one who can do so. Please pray for me to be a fruit bearer in God’s kingdom and to help me find his rest.
Remember you are a stronger than all these things happening and the One in you is far greater than any circumstance you may be going through. Just take a moment and clear your head, be in God’s presence and feel Him working in your life. He will give you all the tools and peace to get through these tough moments, I promise xo
I started typing a reply to you – and deleted. Then scrolled and your name came up again. So – I’m typing again. I’m pretty sure I’ve been where you are right now. In a long season of angst. About everything, from my own life to the lives of the hurting everywhere. It was all my burden. The more I scrambled and fretted, the worse my fear got. What did I do? God prompted me to withdraw from the things that incited this angst. I pretty much dropped out. Of my social life both online and in person. He shut out the noise for me- so I could only hear His voice through His word. I maintained contact with a few close friends and of course my family, but these interactions were personal, in person or on the phone. I also purposefully took up habits that brought God’s beauty into my life. Read more just for pleasure, put music in my life at every possible moment. I’m still figuring out the balance between a heart sensitive to what breaks His and His perfect grace and rest. But He teaches me over and over again that my number one job – is to Love and Enjoy HIM! He wants me to rest in His grace, His provision, His love. He commands me. Everyday I say, “Lord, if there is something you want me to do, show me. I’ll be here at you feet.” In the midst of it all, I know it doesn’t feel that simple. But our sin (pride- as if we can fix anything?) keeps us thinking that we need to do something, and frankly, our doing in our own strength just makes it worse. Wait on the Lord. I’m praying for you!
Praying for you, friend. Asking the Lord to grant you peace and understanding in this time of uncertainty in your life. Our God is BIG and mighty and He takes care of us. Praying that you would feel those aspects of Him in this. Grateful for you.
My brother shared this with me from his AA meetings-I can’t, God can, I think I’ll let Him! This simple mantra has saved me many times. Wanted to share it with you.
four times he says “in all this, His anger is not removed, and His hand is still raised to strike.” my hubby was saying the other day he truly sees we are born into sin watching our little GD and her sin nature. as godly GP we are to be light and help train her in Jesus. these scriptures seem to be showing a progression of sin. 1. go their way, do it their way, 2.did not turn, did not seek, 3. no one has compassion actually team together to devour another, 4. enact crooked statutes, write oppressive laws, deprive afflicted,plunder fatherless, and make widows their spoil.
God keeps showing me i can pray – prayers change things. somehow we easily slide into thinking we are God (thinking i can fix it) and can change people. We are only to share our testimony and His Word with others. i so wanted to do that the other day in hair salon hearing a mother speak about ” her gay son who wanted to convince a straight guy to date him. ” her words not mine. she went on to say she knew he was always gay and expressed the sadness that a straight guy would not even give her son a chance to date him. i felt it would have been inappropriate to interject myself into her private conversation even though i could hear everything. but i wanted too. my heart was so heavy. i ask Lord what can i do and He reminded me to pray. Prayer goes out further than that time frame, that conversation. i am so glad He is The Light. my struggle is when to share Christ and when to remain silent (so-to-speak). sometimes my heart is so heavy it wants to burst and then i pray. i know all the darkness i have walked in and how God brought me out into His glorious Light. i just want that for everyone.
I noticed that, too, this morning! It had me thinking on its significance because of the repetition. Thank you for sharing your thoughts this morning. Blessed by your words!
Something that gives me more hope again and again, that God has saved us from Darkness but we do not need to fear the darkness for it can not overcome light. Thank you Lord for your victory and for the hope we can hold onto….
Adrienne, praise Him for victory! I have always loved 1 Corinthians 15:57 – “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Thank you for your encouragement this morning, friend!
This is the percfet post for me to find at this time
As I read through Isaiah this morning and pondered the words, I was in awe of Isaiah 9:1-7. Some translations render these words future tense, some as though it has already happened. I realize it’s both. Isaiah’s words were for the people he stood before, those alive when Jesus physically fulfilled them and the words are alive for me today in 2017. How amazing! The key is faith. Faith receives the light through His Promises. Hope in the midst of darkness. Let us worship our true King!
Paula, wow! What a beautiful realization! Thank you for sharing!
“It is only because of Jesus that we are even aware that darkness has an opposite” – This reminds me so much of Ephesians 2:1-10, how we are saved by grace through faith. Only because of Christ. Only because He is loving and gracious can we see His light. What a wonderful God we serve!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
I love Ephesians and I love this connection, thanks for sharing today!
“We may not be able to assess the damage through the darkness…” The trouble with sin is not only that it disrupts our fellowship with God: it also blinds us from being able to clearly see the problem. We become so accustomed to our sin that we don’t see the damage it is causing in our life and in our relationship with God. As believers, it can be discouraging to know that we don’t even know the extent of what’s wrong with us. I sometimes think, “How can I fix this if I can’t even see what the problem is?” The thing is, I am not supposed to “fix it.” Jesus, the light of the world, sheds light on my sin and leads me toward holiness. HE is doing the transformative work; all I am doing is cooperating. As I appreciate His role as the light of the world (John 8:12), the light which the darkness has not overcome (John 1:5), it gives me new hope that the darkness in me can be defeated, that I can become more like Him through His grace and His work, not my own. I, who walked in darkness, have seen a great light, and thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15)
Thank you for sharing, Amy! This also reminds me of Philippians 1:6. He started a good work in us and He will complete it. Standing with you this morning in giving the “fixing” over to Jesus. ❤
Amen, sister! Such beautiful words this morning, Amy! Thank you for sharing!
Reading through the verses today, I was struck by how terrifying God’s judgement can be. Imagine hearing these words and knowing they are FOR YOU. YOUR people. That God is so displeased with you His anger hasn’t abated, even as He lists the destruction He’s already brought upon you. And yet….tucked into these verses of wrath and anger, are some of the sweetest in the whole Bible. “For a child will be born for us,…” I am overwhelmed by God’s great love, that while I was still a sinner, Jesus came for me. Thank You, Lord.
Matthew Henry said, “It is comforting to us that when things are at the darkest, that He who forms the light and creates the darkness has appointed to both their bounds and set the one over against the other.” this reminded me of Amos 4:13:
He Who forms the mountains and creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He Who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth–the Lord God Almighty is His Name.
not only does our Almighty God turn dawn to darkness and vice versa, He REVEALS HIS THOUGHTS TO MAN. thank You, God, for all of You that You give me!
oh THANK YOU for this truth this morning. how beautiful!!
After recently going through a miscarriage I felt as I have been in complete darkness. It was something that was drowning me in sadness and fear. It is hard to understand sometimes that he works in mysterious ways, but now I know there is always light, and he will always be with me.
Praying for you, Yomi. I’ve unfortunately experienced this many times, but God is always faithful. For me the hardest part is letting go of my desire to understand. But once I do, my hearts rests in Him.
Lean on him, talk to him, cry to him. That’s what our God is there for. What he wants us to do. Praying for you, sweet Yomi.
Yomi, my heart breaks for you. I had a miscarriage last year and know the complete darkness you are talking about. Hold tight to the knowledge that “We may not know what the morning will bring, but we already know what Jesus’ work on the cross has brought. By His grace, may we remember that His light is more than enough.”
Praying for you, Yomi. Asking the Lord to continue to reveal Himself and His Light to you. Thank you for sharing. We’re grateful for you.
“It is only because of Jesus we know darkness even has an opposite” is sticking with me this morning. I am so grateful that before I even knew my need for a savior Jesus came to die for me. I was dead and completely oblivious to my state and yet God being gracious and merciful sent His Son to die for me. What a wonderful truth to rest in. He is faithful even in the dark seasons of life even when I don’t see His hand working. I can look back and know that He is orchestrating everything to work for my good and His glory.
Kelly, this really stuck with me, too! I loved what you said: “What a wonderful truth to rest in.” Grateful for you!
Audrey, that’s a great and very true analogy!
I love the statement in the devotional that states: that it is only because of Jesus that we are aware that darkness has an opposite. So much truth in one statement!
This was my favorite too!
Mine too!
I am struck by the joy of Isaiah 9:3 in contrast with John 3 those who stay in the darkness for fear of the light. This may be a strange analogy, but it made me think of how runners (a descriptor I do not use for myself!) always talk about that point in every run where you break through the pain and you feel energized and like you can run forever. Their comments are usually met with a bit of a sideways glance and a “you’re insane…running always sucks” comment. But runner after runner has shared the same thing….push through the pain; the reward is great. Isn’t this true for us as well? There is pain for being seen clearly in the light, but there is also great joy if we are willing to stand stark naked in the light of His holiness because that light also gives us His mercy and His grace. It energizes and empowers us to run our race. We can rejoice like the harvesters and the warriors because our reward is being fully known and fully accepted by our God! The yoke of our sins and weights has been SHATTERED! Oh what imagery that verse provides! His light is freedom, and we must be careful not to try to yoke ourselves to the weight of legalism/religiosity because burden is all that we have ever known. May we not let the fear of the pain of being seen for who we are keep us from the Lord…the Light. Push through the pain and fear for we have a promise of joy!
Amen amen amen!!!
I loved this comment: “May we not let the fear of the pain of being seen for who we are keep us from the Lord” – my heart thanks you, Audrey!
Audrey – these were such beautiful words to come across this morning! Thank you for sharing. I’ll be reminding myself of this often!
Nevertheless.
“He who forms the light and creates the darkness has appointed to both their bounds and set the one over against the other.”
Amen!
Sometimes I try so hard to find the solutions to the troubles in my life through books, the internet, or social media. It is so refreshing to know that HE is the bridge to get to the light. I don’t have to look all over the place to find solutions. I just have to look to Jesus and TRUST him every step of the way. Thank you, Jesus, for lifting that heavy burden and being in control!
Yes, I do the same. May we be women who turn to wisdom of God versus worldy seekers.
I decided for lent I would give up fear and anxiety. As soon I gave it all to God my life has finally taken a positive turn. I was walking in the darkness for years and now I am basking in the light. I fear nothing because I know I no longer walk alone.
That is awesome Lynn!!!
so how does one give up fear and anxiety?
I haven’t thought about it like this, but I suppose I have also given up fear & anxiety for Lent… The word “surrender” is my theme for this Lenten season, and it hasn’t been a week yet, but I’ve already seen God working through this simple prayer – “I surrender, Lord.” Praying it constantly and meditating on verses like Philippians 4:6-7 and 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 have helped my heart to begin overcoming the waves of anxiety with shalom peace. I’ve also been reading Jesus Calling each morning – the devotions this month have been very timely for this topic. Praying for you both, Lynn Lane & peanut cheese <3
thanks for your witnesses Lynn, Brittany and Caitie. Me I also have to keep telling myself not to Google each and every possible life issue. Wisdom lies in God alone.
Caitie, what a beautiful reminder for us all. He is enough!! Thank you for sharing, friend! Grateful for you.
Thank u so much for that reminder because I do the same thing. I tend to look to the internet a lot for “help” to find answers and all I need to do is pray and God will show me the correct path to take.
We’ve all experienced the hurricanes of sudden darkness. They come in the form of a pink slip, an unexpected diagnosis, a midnight phone call. The darkness descends and we cannot take the next breath. Our mind swirls. Our imagination goes to even darker places. Once the initial shock wears off, we people of the Cross, we Jesus followers, we default to Isaiah’s words : “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light ;a light has dawned on those living in the darkness.”. In the dark nights of our soul, we still and always have the Light. And where there is Light, darkness dies. Hope rises. Strength returns. We can breathe.
I’m praying today for all of us who need Isaiah’s reminder.
Hold on.
Be still.
Know He is God and He is there.
His Light shines. This darkness will pass.
It has no choice. It has no options.
The Light wins. Every time.
Amen!!! I love reading your comments and what God has for you to share ❤
Love your words! So timely for me. Thanks for sharing!
Amen! The Light wins every time! Sometimes I wonder if I can get through the darkness, but the Light does always win. God always wins!
❤well said
Amen!!
your words brought me to tears. So much of God’s truth in them. thank you!
Churchmouse, thank you for such beautiful words! The Light does win. Every. Time. Grateful for you!
Beautiful, amen!
Beautiful words. Thank you!!
Seems important to note that God did not jus see darkness and light but gives a bridge – he helps bring us back Into the light. We don’t even have to find it. He will do it for us. Trust.
Sisters, right now the dark seems to be winning…way too much stress in my life. Taking care of aging parents and the toil that is taking on my marriage, the loads and loads of things at school that I needed to have done yesterday, children not in church, no pastor at the church where my husband is on staff, students at school that need much more than I can give them…and on and on. My head knows that God is in control and the light will dawn, but my heart is bruised and battered right now. I am trying to hold on to the truth of Is. 9:1-2. “Nevertheless…the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.” Coveting prayers
I’m a wife, mom, and teacher too…I am praying for you this morning! Hugs!
My heart goes out to you Kathy. You do have a lot going on which I know is stressful. I pray that you find God’s strength is sufficient for you through these hard times. I pray that as one who is “weary and burdened”, you take time to come to Jesus, look full in his face, and “find rest” for your soul.
We’ve never met, but I’m praying for you now.
Praying for you now, Kathy, that God will grant you peace and strength as you walk through today.
Praying for you Kathy!
Praying for you Kathy.
Praying for you Kathy!
Praying for you Kathy. The part I relate to is students needing more than you can give them. A friend told me the other day that she used to have two statements she would read to herself every day. In the morning she would read the one that said “today I will do all that I can do.” In the evening she would read the one that said “today I did all that I could.” As teachers, we do our very best, and while at times we feel it isn’t enough, it HAS to be enough. I will join the other ladies in a prayer for you, for peace and relief from the overwhelming stress you are feeling.
Praying for you. I think some seasons are really hard and yet God has us walk through them. I still look back at seasons of my life and ask God, ‘Why did it have to be so hard? Why didn’t you send more help?’ Even now that I am in a better place,it breaks my heart to look back and know that even through all my prayers and tears, He let me struggle. So I am praying that He will ease your load and send peace, but I am also praying for strength and perserverance to help you keep on and for continued reminders that He is walking with you.
Praying for you, Kathy. When I went through some hard times, I used to visualize that God was literally holding my hand and walking me through the storm. And I knew together we would make it out. I just had to hold his hand through it. If you haven’t done this already, maybe this visualization will help you too. Whenever you’re having a particularly trying time, remember to call on the Holy Spirit and ask for help and remember that he’s holding your hand. Love you!
Praying for you Kathy, we have taken care of aging parents also. It can be so stressful.
Kathy, I am praying for you. Sometimes life’s hurdles are too many and too high for us, BUT God is in control! He has got this!
Kathy, even now..praying the Holy Spirit will help you take the Lord’s yoke upon you (Matt 11:29) that the Lord will bring someone along side you to help you bear your burdens…cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you! Not just words;, but He will carry you..help you and give you REST…
“It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God— but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things of life, and holy on the ordinary streets, among ordinary people . . . ” By pressing on, you are doing just what you should be! <3
Kathy praying for you. Psalm 34:18 comes to mind. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Kathy, you have our prayers. Asking for the Lord to tend to your bruised and battered heart and for Him to grant peace in this season of chaos. Grateful for you.
Dear Kathy, I feel like God gave me these words for you as I read your post. “Let go and Let God” Praying for you Sister.
Kathy, read My Utmost for His Highest for March 7 …
“we are more than conquerors through Him in all these things (tribulation, distress, persecution, etc), not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. We know the joy of the Lord because of them. Like the surf that distresses the ordinary swimmer produces in the surf-rider the super-joy of going clean through it.”
And Jesus Calling Dec 18, May 21, and April 11.
Grace, mercy and peace to you.
The light repels the darkness away: sometimes I sense those around me who would rather walk in the darkness are repelled by what I perceive to be me, but is really God or the light in me. Those who want more of the light are drawn near. I pray to kneel at your cross and humbly accept this and to be your feet, not taking offence or hurt or pride but to be loving and your witness no matter what, never hiding your light because of how others react.
Amen!
Sometimes when we live in darkness for so long, our eyes grow accustomed to it, and it doesn’t seem as dark as it really is anymore. But then we see the Light… and we realize there is so much more than that to which we had become accustomed. The Light is only starkly recognizable when it breaks through complete darkness. Father, let me be your light today.
I was thinking about this too! And also that, when you go out into the light after being in the darkness for a bit, it may hurt at first! But after you adjust, everything feels better!
Aly, I was also thinking of the pain of the light at first. That reminded me of the scripture about believers being pruned for the glory of God. Neither feels good at the time, but are so healing and beautiful FOR us!
My heart has felt heavy the last few days. I cannot figure out why but I am thankful I read this before I even went to bed.
“We may not know what the morning will bring, but we already know what Jesus’ work on the cross has brought. By His grace, may we remember that His light is more than enough.”
Trusting that as always the Lord will see me through❤️
Praying for you.
Thank you!
You’re in my prayers…remember, you are never alone x
Thank you!
I’m here praying for you as we! God hears your cries.
well
praying for the heaviness of your heart to be unburdened at the foot of the cross.