Peace When Life Is Not Peaceful

Close your eyes, and imagine a dark night. You are standing in a field, and surrounding that field is a thick forest that stretches miles in every direction. It is long after sunset, and there are no lights from buildings to shine a way out. You can hardly see six feet in front of you, let alone see the bears, wolves, and other threats that lurk in the woods.

Looking at your surroundings, it’s no wonder so many people are scared of the dark. You’re vulnerable and blind to danger. You have no way of telling where you’re going and can quickly become hopelessly lost.

But when you look up, it’s an entirely different story.

Looking up at the sky, you are suddenly aware of thousands of stars, twinkling and shimmering, while a crescent moon glows overhead. A meteor streaks across the sky, and a comet hangs in a hazy glimmer just above the horizon. Your fear is replaced with awe and wonder.

It’s amazing how quickly our perspective can change depending on where we’re looking. Maybe you are in a dark place right now. It might be a struggle with illness, physical or mental, or a battle with fear or regret. Perhaps you’re fighting a recurring sin or are having trouble with family or friends. Whatever it is, look up—not just to the stars, but to the One who created the galaxies. He knows the number of stars in the sky, and He knows you by name (Psalm 147:4).

Jesus is our light in the darkness, the light of the world. He is with you in your struggles, alongside you, and He promises to always be with you. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has overcome the darkness of the world. In His light, you can too. • Abby Ciona

• Do you enjoy looking up at the night sky? Why?

• How are wonder and worship related? How does wonder affect fear?

• What dark places are you facing in your life right now? What could you do (and who could you talk with) to help you turn your gaze to Jesus?

• Read Matthew 5:14-16 and Philippians 2:15-16. How are we as Christians also called to be the light of the world?

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.†John 8:12 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Acts 7:54-60; 16:20-25