There are wars and rumors of wars. The economic structures of this world are in great distress. The needs in the souls of men are becoming greater. It is time to look for the glory of God in the midst of any darkness we may see. Many would ask how can we do this when there is so much turmoil and defeat in our world?
There is a light shining in a dark place and that light is in each of us that know Christ. The Prophet Isaiah gives us hope in Isa. 60:1-3, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Even when darkness is over the people, the Lord rises with His light. This is why Jesus could tell us, “In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (Jn.16:33 NASB).
Remember the story of the prodigal son and how he asked for his inheritance early? He left his father’s house and wasted all his father had given him. This son had to come to the end of himself. The young man began eating from a pig pen to survive. Darkness, failure and shame became his covering. The glory that had been upon him was gone. The father had to allow the son to go to a low place before he could see the glory of his father. God uses this story to teach us not so much about our sin nature but to introduce us to the glory of the Father’s heart. There is a light that God brings upon on us to make all things new.
This glory arises as the son makes his way back home to the father. I think of the words to a song, I once was blind, but now I see. The glory of the father’s love breaks through all the shame as the father’s robe and ring are placed upon the son to show him his true inheritance. This glory of God will come into situations where there seems to be no hope. But always remember that there has to be darkness, and many times lots of darkness before a people make their way back to God.
People are searching for answers. Others are looking for a hero, whether it is in the political world, entertainment world or sports world. When people search it is not a bad thing. They want some solutions and they want to worship something. I call it an earthly search for a heavenly father. Those of us that have made our way back to the Father have this light of glory in us. His name is Jesus. As we go forth in the midst of darkness, this light in us draws others to it. The scriptures say even kings and nations will be drawn to this light. People must search and they must worship, but as they do remember you carry a light that has the glory that dispels all darkness.