Just as the sun pierced the darkness and clouds this morning, Jesus, the Word of God, the Light of the world, pierces the darkness and clouds that trie to extinguish the light of God’s presence, his power, his profound purpose for our lives. How? As we get still, and abide with Jesus in His word.
Psalm 46:10–11 (ESV): Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
John 15:4–11 (ESV): Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Is you life, your marriage, your family, your work clouded this morning with the darkness of fear, anxiety, confusion, frustration? Don’t despair…your Redeemer lives (Job 19:25), he’s alive and active, and he loves you and cares about every detail of your life. You enemy is lurking, looking for every opportunity to intimidate, to condemn, to confuse, to frustrate, to enslave you. But don’t fear, don’t fret, don’t forget…who You are in Jesus, your current condition with your Father, your promised position, your forever future. You are forgiven, you are cleansed, you are justified freely, you are a son, a daughter of the King of kings, you are an heir joined with Jesus, you are promised and eternal existence with Jesus who even now sits at the right hand of the father.
So if darkness, depression, despair, despondency is trying to crowd out the light of God’s presence and power and purpose in your life, then first just be still and remember your Savior. He alone is God. He alone will be exalted,. He alone is the Lord of hosts! He is with you, he is present he is your power and protection. Then stay still as you turn your eyes towards Jesus and abide in His promises, power, presence and protection. Don’t be surprised if the things of this earth whether shiny and distractive or dark and depressing begins to grow strangely dim. Look full into his wonderful face and watch the clouds of darkness begin to fade away and the light of his glory and grace flood your heart and mind and transform your view of earthly things.
RESTORING HOPE 