A Prayer to Find Hope in the Midst of Darkness - Your Daily Prayer - October 26

A Prayer to Find Hope in the Midst of Darkness
By Rachel Britton

Bible Reading
Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. - Micah 7:8

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I dislike the darkness. When the lights go out at night, my imagination starts working overtime. Every small sound becomes suspicious. A creak in the next room or a noise outside can turn into a story my mind should not be telling. My short-sightedness adds to my insecurity. Without my contact lenses, familiar shapes lose their edge. The room I know well feels less certain.

When I am alone in the house at night, I often leave a lamp on in another room. That small glow makes a difference. It reminds me that the darkness cannot overwhelm me.

Darkness can make us fearful. So does anything that clouds our view of what is true.

When life becomes difficult or painful, we, too, can be fearful and uncertain. Our imaginations can picture what might happen, what could go wrong, or what may never change. Or the days ahead can seem indistinct. We may struggle to see how God’s goodness fits with what we are facing.

And this is why Micah’s words are so comforting: “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8).

Micah does not say, “Though I once sat in darkness.” He says, “Though I sit in darkness.”

The darkness is present. His difficulty has not yet lifted. The way forward may not be clear. Yet Micah’s hope does not depend on immediate change in his circumstances. His hope rests in the character and presence of God.

“The Lord will be my light.”

All of us want God to remove the darkness immediately. We want answers, resolutions, relief, and a way forward. But, when that does not happen, Micah 7:8 reassures us we can trust God to meet us in our need.

When the darkness does not lift as quickly as we hoped and the waiting continues, God gives us more than a distant promise that light will come someday. He gives us the presence of Himself. His presence provides protection from all that can harm us. His presence provides guidance so we do not stumble or fall. His presence provides salvation, transformation, and spiritual security.

Perhaps you are sitting in darkness. Maybe you are afraid, weary, or unsure how to keep going. Perhaps you have fallen and wonder where you will find the strength to get up again.

Today, ask God to be your light in the place where you are weighed down and cannot see clearly. Let Him show you one small next step. Ask Him to remind you of one truth or promise. Let Him bring another person alongside you. Let Him steady your heart.

Let God’s love, compassion, faithfulness, and guidance be that lamp with the small glow that means the darkness cannot overwhelm you.

Let’s Pray

Lord God, You see the darkness around me and the darkness within me. You know the places where I feel afraid, discouraged, confused, or weary. You know the prayers I have prayed for a long time and the questions I have that are unanswered.

I confess that when life feels dark, I can struggle to hope. When I cannot see what You are doing, I sometimes wonder whether You are there at all.

Help me to trust in Your words as spoken by Micah: “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” Be my light where I cannot see the way forward. Be my hope where I feel disappointed. Be my strength where I feel too tired to keep going. Be my protection when I am afraid.

Remind me that darkness does not hide me from You. Nor does it hide You from me. You are my light and my salvation. In You I place my trust. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Simotion

Rachel Britton is a British-born award-winning author and speaker. Her passion is to help others find comfort and confidence in their daily conversation with God. Her latest book, Pray Naturally: Finding Your Spiritual Confidence as a Woman Loved by God released with Our Daily Bread Publishing. She is the creator of the Amazon Alexa skill: “Alexa, say a prayer,” which offers a simple way for thousands to connect with God each day. Rachel is married with three adult children spread over too many time zones. Connect with Rachel on her blog rachelbritton.com and on Facebook and Instagram.

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