Westshore dawn panorama, Napier. August 2023
Darkness and light are powerful and pervasive biblical images. They speak to us often of the presence or perceived absence of God. The advent of Jesus Christ is described thus; 'The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.' (John 1: 9-10 NIV) This seems like a new dawn, but not everyone is up to see it.
Now spring is here, we might be optimistic for more light and sunshine, especially with the El Niño weather patterns predicted. I found myself humming 'Let's keep on walking in light' from Th'Dudes good old Kiwi pub song this morning. I'm disturbed by how weather related my mood is this year. The contrast of a dark wet season followed by some promised sun gives us something to hope for I guess.
Spiritually, we don't always feel like we are walking in light. There are seasons in life when we hardly have what it takes to pray. Our circumstances can seem insurmountable. It's easy to follow God when everything is going our way, but what about the dark times?
Isaiah, that literary masterpiece of judgement and hope, speaks to wayward Israel; 'Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let those who walk in the dark, who have no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.' (Is 50: 10 NIV)
If we are walking in the dark, remember the light is coming. Chris Tiegreen writes; 'Our faith in the dark is treasured by God. Whenever you find yourself in darkness, let your trust in God pierce it. Choose to rely on Him. Those seasons don't last forever, but you have an opportunity in them to create an eternal testimony to his goodness.' God is good, and we will walk in his light in His time, as we continue to trust in the one who is the light, Jesus Christ.