Hope and Light

Light, it is the thing that illuminates our path. It brightens our day. It provides a vision through the darkness. Light, it is what the Lord brings to us when we’re in the midst of storms and struggles. Light, it is what we need, today, in this dark world, more than anything else. Scripture tells us that He, the Lord, Jesus, is a light for our path. It is the guidance we need when things seem chaotic and insecure.

When God created the world and everything in it, He started with light. He created light on the first day.

Genesis 1:2-5 AMP
The earth was formless and void or a waste and emptiness, and darkness was upon the face of the deep [primeval ocean that covered the unformed earth]. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. [3] And God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [4] God saw that the light was good (pleasing, useful) and He affirmed and sustained it; and God separated the light [distinguishing it] from the darkness. [5] And God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

Light came from Him! He separated it from the darkness. He had plans from the beginning of time for this amazing wonder on the earth and within us!

Genesis 1:14-18 AMP
Then God said, “Let there be light-bearers (sun, moon, stars) in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be useful for signs (tokens) [of God’s provident care], and for marking seasons, days, and years; [15] and let them be useful as lights in the expanse of the heavens to provide light on the earth”; and it was so, [just as He commanded]. [16] God made the two great lights—the greater light (the sun) to rule the day, and the lesser light (the moon) to rule the night; He made the [galaxies of] stars also [that is, all the amazing wonders in the heavens]. [17] God placed them in the expanse of the heavens to provide light upon the earth, [18] to rule over the day and the night, and to separate the light from the darkness; and God saw that it was good and He affirmed and sustained it.

With Gods’ direction, Moses lead the people of Israel through the desert wilderness. It was God’s pillar of smoke, and the light that directed their path.

God guided His people as explained in Nehemiah, God sustained them.

Nehemiah 9:11-12 AMP
You divided the sea before them, So that they passed through the midst of the sea on dry land; You hurled their pursuers into the depths, Like a stone into mighty and raging waters. [12] And with a pillar of cloud You led them by day, And with a pillar of fire by night To light the way for them In which they were to go.

We also must walk in the Light despite the darkness seeming to swirl around us! Do not forget to praise in the storms, it can push away depression, anxiety and fear.

Psalm 56:10-13 AMP
In God, whose word I praise, In the LORD, whose word I praise, [11] In God have I put my trust and confident reliance; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? [12] Your vows are binding upon me, O God; I will give thank offerings to You. [13] For You have rescued my soul from death, Yes, and my feet from stumbling, So that I may walk before God In the light of life.

Choosing to follow the Creator of Light by following His promises can seem impossible but nothing is impossible with God!

Psalm 112:4 AMP
Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous (upright—in right standing with God).

Seeking the Lord at these times is mandatory! He will light your path and bring hope in the darkness that is internal and eternal when we trust in Him alone. Jesus is the Prince of Peace!

Isaiah 42:16 AMP
I will lead the blind by a way they do not know; I will guide them in paths that they do not know. I will make darkness into light before them And rugged places into plains. These things I will do [for them], And I will not leave them abandoned or undone.”

He wants our free will choice for His plans, we were created to make our own personal decision. He loves us and wants us to choose Him.

He tells us in Isaiah 58 what will be our reward:

Isaiah 58:8-12 AMP
Then your light will break out like the dawn, And your healing (restoration, new life) will quickly spring forth; Your righteousness will go before you [leading you to peace and prosperity], The glory of the LORD will be your rear guard. [9] Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry for help, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away from your midst the yoke [of oppression], The finger pointed in scorn [toward the oppressed or the godly], and [every form of] wicked (sinful, unjust) speech, [10] And if you offer yourself to [assist] the hungry And satisfy the need of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. [11] And the LORD will continually guide you, And satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, And give strength to your bones; And you will be like a watered garden, And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. [12] And your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; You will raise up and restore the age-old foundations [of buildings that have been laid waste]; You will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings.

Let Him repair and restore your life bringing more of His Light to the world!

John 8:12 AMP
Once more Jesus addressed the crowd. He said, “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

What does it mean to be baptized in Jesus Christ?

Romans 6:3-5 MSG
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country.

How can we bring His Light to others? It is not about us it is about bringing hope to others about Him!

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 MSG
Remember, our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master. All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you. It started when God said, “Light up the darkness!” and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, all bright and beautiful.

Our human minds can’t fully grasp how Jesus may use our life story!

1 John 1:7 AMPC
But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].

Walk in the Light, find hope in His promises, ask Him to direct your steps to His sisters and brothers, , there is freedom in His Arms. Then shine your Light for all to see Him!

Father, I am a sinner in need of Your saving grace and mercy! Please forgive me for my selfish ways, my impulsive choices that have led to death. I want new life in your love, Jesus! I repent ( turn away) from the sins that have held me captive to the enemy___________. Forgive me of my sins. Fill my life with you, Jesus! I place my life in Your hands! I give you permission to guide my path! Thank you Jesus! I want your Light to shine through me! Amen!