Hope in the Darkness- Wednesday, December 6th

WEEK ONE: HOPE IN THE DARKNESS

The Gleam of a Lighthouse Beacon

Isaiah 43:1-2 (NRSV)

But now thus says the Lord…
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you…

Daily living can be much like navigating boats upon the sea. When our days are going smoothly, we feel we can take on the world. The conditions are perfect- sunny skies, light breezes, calm waters- and we become eager to sail out and enjoy the views. (How often do we mistakenly believe that our smooth sailing has come from our skill and expertise, when in reality we have been enabled by perfect conditions?) Sometimes we may venture too far. We float or sail or motor away in our boats of self-sufficiency into unknown deeper waters.  We become SO courageous and confident in ourselves, we forget our frailty, and eventually we are in “over our heads.” Darkness sets in, and we find ourselves caught in a fog of failure, a storm of stress, or a tempest of trials. 

Like the lighthouse on the stormy seas, God keeps shining through the darkness, guiding us, leading us home. Like the lighthouse, God remains steadfast and certain, while we recklessly venture into those deep and dark waters. Like the lighthouse, God beckons us back, calling each of us by name until we are safely home. We only need to keep facing the Light. Keep heading toward the Light. Keep following the Light and we will all be led safely back to shore. This is where we find our hope today.

Hope shines because of God’s steadfast faithfulness.