If you’re reading this in real time, we are in the heart of winter. The sun has been setting around 5 p.m. for weeks now, and we still have several weeks of short, dark days until spring arrives. For some, winter is a time for fresh starts, snow angels, and skiing adventures. But for others, it’s a bleak time, filled with counting down the days until the sun shines again.
No matter where you fall between those two groups, something tells me you can relate to waiting for brighter days to arrive.
It will come as no surprise, then, that we’re going to look at light and darkness in today’s devotional. What would it look like for God’s presence to fill the winters of our lives? How can we be the light that God calls us to be? Let’s dive in together.
This devotional includes some basic instructions, but please feel free to modify whatever you’d like so it fits your group’s needs.
Start by having a member of your group read the verses below.
God’s Light in Our Darkness
Read:
Psalm 139:9-12
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.
Psalm 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Say:
Dark days are guaranteed in life, but the guarantee of God’s presence is even more real. We can count on God to be by our side during our darkest days. If we’re scared, cynical, or even feeling too weighed down to seek out the light, God is still there.
Sometimes His presence is as obvious as someone turning on the overhead light in a room. Other times, His presence feels more like a flicker. What we can rest in is that God is present in our darkness. He’s not afraid, and He’s inviting us to turn to Him. God brings moments of peace and light to our otherwise broken days.
When the psalmist, King David, asks who he will be afraid of in Psalm 27, he’s not saying he doesn’t have any enemies or that life has been smooth sailing. Instead, he’s declaring that even in the face of life’s worst enemies, God’s presence matters more. Because God is at the center of his life, none of the other challenges he may face get the final say.
No matter how dark our personal winters become, God’s light will always be there, illuminating the darkness. His steadfastness does not change. His right hand will hold us.
Ask:
- When was the last “winter” in your life? Did you feel God’s presence there?
- How has God shown up for you in the past? Through the comfort of a friend? Through promises in scripture?
- What area of your life do you need God to light up now?
Shining Our Light
Read:
Matthew 5:14-16
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Say:
God is the light in our darkness. And as His children, we have the special calling of being lights to this world.
God calls us to go to the hurting, broken places and bring His light there. We have the unique responsibility to bring God’s hope in every corner of this world our own lives touch.
Sometimes we’ll be in seasons where we need others to bring that light to us. Other times, God calls us to go into our families, communities, and beyond to share His gospel of peace.
Not every season is a healing season. Sometimes it’s a going season. If it’s spring in your heart right now, ask where you can go to bring God’s light — even if it’s through a steady presence, a listening ear, or flowing prayers on someone’s behalf.
Ask:
- Where do you think God is calling you to bring light?
- How are you a light to others? Are there any ways of showing up you want to try?
- When was the last time you felt God leading you to reach out to someone?
Closing
Pray:
God, thank you for being the light in our darkness. We know we will never face a challenge without You by our side. Help us to feel Your presence in the dark days. We need Your peace.
And please give us the strength and wisdom we need to bring Your light to others. Give us the right words and let us know when silence is best. Give us hearts ready to hear from You and ready to give to our communities.
We love You. And it’s in Your name that we pray. Amen.
Further reading: Finding God in His Creation – Glorieta Adventure Camps
