Dec 5 - Hope

Hope

Monday, December 5, 2022

by Donna Taylor

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 60

Key Verse: Isaiah 60:1

“Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see.

    For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you.

It's winter. It's 6 a.m. Outside my window the world appears dark and cold. There's just enough light to make out the trees, standing tall and mostly bare. They look as lifeless as I presently feel. Most mornings I wake and say, “Thank you, God, for this good day!”...but not today. Today sorrow weighs my spirit down. So I sit here in my warm home feeling cold and heavyhearted, asking, listening, waiting for God to give me what I need to begin this day. 

Time passes as I sit in prayer before the Lord.

By 6:50, the sun has begun to rise. I watch as the light overcomes the darkness and the world brightens. A spark of hope flares bringing Psalm 30:5 to mind: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Yes! Coming with the light, the presence of God rises upon me and within me. My hope has come. I am ready. 

Thank you, gracious God, for daily reminders, both in your world and in your Word, that you are not far from us, you will not fail us. Our hope is in you. Shine your glory, Lord, upon us, that we might be reflections of your light and love. Amen