The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.  
ROMANS 13:12 ESV 

It’s easy to be kind when those around us are extending warmth. It feels good to be people of faith when things are looking up, our prayers seem to be heard, and life seems like it is on our side. But what about when our backs are against the wall, our prayers seem to be falling on deaf ears, and every time we try to stand back up, the waves crash again? What then? 

But here’s what we must remember: There is so little that we know and so much that we do not see. When the world around us feels chaotic or when it seems that darkness is winning, that is precisely the time when we must be the light. 

Matthew 5:16 calls us to shine so that others may see and know our Father in heaven. The Author of hope resides in us, which means that we can carry hope with us, no matter what our circumstances may be or how gloomy the world feels. This is the time when others are looking to us, and we have a great opportunity. If we continue to pursue peace and love remains our banner, they will know we are trusting in the One we cannot see, and because of that, our lives are filled with light. 

Faith does not offer a guarantee of comprehension or a lack of hardship; rather, it secures our safety in the midst of any uncertainty or danger we may face. The opposition is certain—it will occur. However, the divine hand of God, the intimacy of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit are also certain. In fact, it is the dullness of the world that highlights the clarity of Christ. It is in the pit that the hope of glory inspires perseverance. 

Will we radiate trust even when the world feels dim? Will we believe God is at work when things feel stagnant? Will we speak promise over hopelessness even when it’s hard? If we will, we will get a front-row seat to watching light prevail over darkness every single time. 

Hey Jesus, thank You for being the light of my life and the hope of glory. When life feels hard, pull me close and help me focus on You. Though darkness looms, Your light is always greater. With You, we always prevail. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

- Cleere Cherry Reaves 

 

Friends, after more than 25 years as part of Hallmark, DaySpring is moving to Hallmark.com. You will soon find encouraging devotions publishing weekly from the NEW DaySpring Writing Community at Hallmark’s Ideas & Inspiration blog! 

February 23rd will be our final Daily Devotion. From then on, you’ll find a new devotion by a DaySpring writer each Monday at the DaySpring Writing Community on Hallmark’s Ideas & Inspiration blog and will receive this content to your inbox every Wednesday.

While DaySpring’s Daily Devotions will end, the stories of faith will continue. DaySpring writers will keep sharing the ways God is showing up in their lives, so you can see Him more clearly in yours. 

We can’t wait for you to visit the new home of the DaySpring Writing Community at Hallmark.com, starting on February 24th. Thank you for being part of this wonderful Daily Devotion community.