November is a hard month in the northern hemisphere. As days are getting shorter and shorter, it seems our moods are getting darker and darker. It feels like all the weight in the world is on our very own weak shoulders. Will this last forever or is there a way forward? We are in desperate need of hope. Is there any left? Actually, my friend, there is plenty of hope for people who walk in darkness.

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.
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.
For a child is born to us,
    a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
    And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:1,2,6, NLT,*)

Hope for people who walk in darkness

Our hope has a name: Jesus. And our hope is not just wishful thinking, it is powerful, life-giving, everlasting hope. Thankfully, our hope is not in ourselves or in our ability to prepare, produce, or practice. Because we’re sorely lacking in that department, especially this time of year.

So hope for people who walk in darkness truly is in Jesus. With the words of Trillia Newbell “Oh dear Christian: when Jesus is everything, you don’t have to be.” When we make Jesus our everything, we don’t have to be (or do everything). It is finished. Instead, we can rest in him who is everything. That’s grace, folks. That’s blissful grace for us.

While we rest in Jesus, he is at work in us, for us. He heals, he creates, transforms, and blesses us. So if you are tired or exhausted, know that it is more than okay to rest. When Jesus is your everything, you don’t have to be. That’s Good News for people who walk in darkness. Despair will not go on forever. But we will with Jesus.

Gracious God,
Thank you for welcoming us as we are.
You know we need you for everything,
help us to accept the fact and stop fighting it.
And then surrender to you.
Thank you for being our everything so we don’t have to.
Instead, we can rest in you.
Pour out hope upon hope.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Does darkness affect you?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you seek Jesus for your help!

Photo by Stelios Kazazis on Unsplash.