​

The Lord My Light Is My Hope In Darkness

​

Advent scripture reading: Luke 1:67-80; Luke 2:1-7

Isaiah‬ ‭60:1‭-‬5‬ ‭ESV‬

Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you.

Over the years I have struggled with seasonal depression. If you've experienced this you know it’s very REAL! For me, there is a strong link between my SADD and my Highly Sensitive trait.

I feel things intensely ,including changes in my environment, especially the weather. There is just something about the onset of the cold weather, when skies are frequently gray and nature is dormant and brown. I feel it in my body and soul!

Does this seem strange to you, or can you relate?

God designed your body’s physiology so that you need light — specifically from the sun — to produce Vitamin D. Deficiency in this vitamin impacts our mental and emotional wellbeing, manifesting in symptoms such as depression and anxiety.

In my times of struggle and grief I have discovered how much my body and soul crave the sun. It's not that I worship the sun; but the light and warmth draw me to worship God as Jehovah Ori, the Lord My Light.

I feel my body literally craving HIM!

Jesus himself IS the light! It's not just a part of him.

I've also realized that darkness can serve a purpose. God allows times of darkness in our lives.

Darkness stops our activity.

Darkness helps us to rest.

I’ve begun to view the winter season differently.

God included the winter in the cycle of seasons for a special purpose. During this time the earth becomes dormant for a period of rest, restoration and preparation for a new growing season.

Our lives are also meant to have these cycles of rest before continued activity and growth.

So when we feel we are in a season of darkness this may be a sign from God that he is allowing a season of slowing or stopping activity in order to rest, restore and prepare for a new growing season.

Times of darkness make the times of light more brilliant!

Knowing this can help us to view our periods of darkness —struggles, challenges, grief— as a contrast to the magnificence of JESUS.

They can allow us to see HIM more brilliantly.

​
​‭Isaiah‬ ‭60:1‭-‬5‬ ‭ESV‬ says:

In these seasons we may feel like we are walking alone in the darkness, but if we pay attention, Jehovah Ori, is always there. It may only be in the pinpricks of light in the stars or a dim lantern lighting each footstep, but friend, Jehovah Ori is there. Keep watching because you will see the “brilliance of the Son” peeking over the morning horizon for a new day and a new season.

If you feel like you’re in a season of darkness this Christmas, it’s okay to rest and not take part in all the festivities and activities. Simply worship HIM as Jehovah Ori- The Lord My Light, the HOPE in your darkness.

Because Jesus was born for the broken.

Prayer:

Pray Psalm 67:1 today:

May God be gracious to us and bless us

and make his face to shine upon us,

Selah

that your way be know on earth,

your saving power among all nations.

Lord, shine your light in the dark and shadowy places. I love you Lord and I pray these things in Jesus name, Amen.

Reflection:

1. Think about a time you experienced a dark season in your life -maybe you are experiencing one now.
2. Describe what it feels like to you. Prayerfully journal these feelings to the Lord.

If you would like to download a PDF printable copy of this devotional click this link Week 1 Advent- BORN FOR THE BROKEN PDF (3).pdf

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENTIRE BORN FOR THE BROKEN ADVENT SERIES WITH DAILY REFLECTION EMAILS.

As you move on with your day I encourage you to continue preparing your heart for the celebration of our Savior's birth using these tools I’ve given you. Remember God, El Roi- The God Who Sees YOU!

Christmas blessings to you friend,

Melissa

​​​

​