God’s Nearness in Darker Evenings - Your Nightly Prayer - September 20
God’s Nearness in Darker Evenings
TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE
“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory” (Isaiah 60:19, NIV).
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Every fall, I tend to get depressed and weary. Despite the beautiful falling leaves and warm weather, I know darkness is soon upon us. Even before the time change, I dread the longer evenings and shorter mornings. I guess you could say it runs in my family.
If your evenings are feeling heavier, you’re not alone. The emotional weight and loneliness of changing seasons are real. Seasonal affective disorder is no joke. But darkness isn’t just external— it can be internal, too. It’s unpleasant and difficult to navigate. The good news is we were never created to carry or navigate this darkness alone.
In Isaiah 60:19, we learn that in the end of all our days, God Himself will become our light. And not just the light, but the source of all of it. Can you even fathom? A time where darkness will cease to exist? Where we won’t even need the sun because it’s Christ Himself who will be our light has walked into the room? Amen! Talk about a crazy visualization! Even today, you and I experience a glimpse of this light within us through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Aren’t you thankful for that?
Because even when it feels like the dark clouds are closing in, we must remember that we’re not dependent on circumstances for light. God is our constant presence. Our light in the darkness. An everlasting light that can never be taken away from us. John 14:26 says it this way: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (NIV).
You and I may still feel trapped in the darkness from time to time. Depression is known to many, and you’re not alone in your suffering. But we must remember that even here, we’re not without light. We can look for and find God’s presence, regardless of the relief we find. Because even in dim seasons, we’re not left in the dark.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Dear Jesus, right now I’m feeling dark and heavy. As the seasons change, I’m overwhelmed by sadness, despair, and fear. Today, and every day, please be my light. I invite your presence into the night and ask you to be my guide. I release my fear, anxiety, and loneliness to you, trusting that you’re with me even here. I will rest in your presence. I love you, Jesus. Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
Where does life feel the darkest right now? Talk honestly with God about this.
How have you seen God’s light before? Journal about the times when God has pierced through the darkness for you.
What would it mean for God to be your light tonight? Sleep with a small light on tonight. Anytime you awake, let it remind you that His presence is always with you.
Agape, Amber
Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Siri Stafford
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