Perspective

Wow, today is a beautiful fall day.  I cannot get enough of them!  I'm not working right now, so there are many afternoons when I sit outside or near an open window and enjoy the wonderful fall breeze!

One afternoon I was sitting outside and reading the book of Isaiah.  It's one of my favorite books of the Bible, and I have learned so much from it the past few years.  If I were an artist I would paint a picture of this verse [And for those of you out there who are thinking, "Oh, just try it, Steph, anyone can be an artist." I'll have you know I did try, and not anyone can be an artist.]:

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.

Isaiah 9:2

 

 

It blows me away every time I read it. Because you know what I think of when I think of light? Hope. And darkness? Despair.  These people had lost everything - their homes, their freedom, their friends, their family.  They had nothing left, but God gave them a promise of better times to come.  Hope was coming.  And hope never disappoints.

 

I can't even imagine.  The Israelites had forsaken God - that's what had brought them to this place of utter ruin, but God still loved them and was not going to abandon them.  Light was coming.

 

When I think about the vastness of Israel's despair and the faithfulness God showed them, I can't help but think a little about my own life.  I think it's easy to generate a good deal of self-pity no matter what our lives look like.  However, the Israelites weren't allowed that self-pity, they were told to hold onto hope.

 

So, maybe I should to.

 

I can't walk very far right now or go to school or work.  Sometimes that bums me out. But I have hours in the day to spend with Jesus, just Jesus.  What reason do I have to be bummed?

 

I miss going to worship nights on Sunday.  Sometimes that bums me out.  But during those nights I had God taught me the joy of worshipping Him.  What reason do I have to be bummed? 

 

I have friends scattered over the world.  Sometimes I miss them and that bums me out.  But 

God blessed me with amazing friends who are following Him.  What reason do I have to be bummed?

I could go on and on. 

Our God is good.  He is our everlasting Friend.  Our never-ending Hope.  Walking with Him comes with ups and downs, but no matter where we are right now - Light always conquers the darkness.  So, when I'm feeling a bit of despair instead of focusing on the dark I want to look to the Light.