Hope When the World Feels Dark

My daughter is part of the color guard at her high school. During band performances, they flip flags and wooden rifles in carefully choreographed routines.

A couple of weeks ago, the band and color guard had an all-day practice, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. That afternoon, we received a text inviting family and friends to watch a free performance. We arrived at the football field around 7 p.m., just as the sun began to set.

But nothing happened.

The stadium lights were off. The sky continued to darken. We wondered if the lights would come on at all—and if there would even be a show.

What happened next taught me something.

As the darkness settled in and the lights still hadn’t turned on, the band began to play. The color guard danced. Without knowing if the lights would ever come on, they continued doing what they knew to do. With youthful energy and joy, they played song after song together.

Eventually, the lights did come on, and we enjoyed their performance.

But God used that moment to challenge me. Do I praise Him in the darkness—before the light comes? God has promised that the dawn will arrive, that the light will shine again. But sometimes, He calls us to worship while we wait.

We praise Him because He is with us now, not only when circumstances improve. And we praise Him because He has always been faithful to fulfill His promises.

That night also reminded me of the power of community. It is easier to worship together. God designed us to praise Him alongside others, drawing encouragement from His people when the darkness feels heavy.

Even in difficult seasons, we have reason to worship. Christ, the Light of the world, is always present. And when we worship Him—together—we declare our trust that the darkness will not last. The light will come.

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
— John 1:5

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Heavenly Father,
Teach me to praise You in the darkness. Even when the lights haven’t come on yet, help me lift my voice with joy and trust in Your promises. Remind me that You are present now and faithful to fulfill Your word in the future. Surround me with Your people so that together we may worship You for who You are and all You have done. Strengthen my heart to wait with hope until the dawn comes.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Think of a time you walked through a difficult season that eventually ended. How did God sustain you while you waited?

2. Reflect on ways God has fulfilled His promises in your past. How does His faithfulness then shape your hope for the future?

3. Recall how God’s people have encouraged you during dark times. In what ways have you been able to encourage others in theirs?

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