Finding Hope When Shadows Fall
We all know what it feels like when darkness seems to settle over our world. Isaiah 60:2 paints a vivid picture: “For darkness shall cover the earth and thick darkness the peoples, but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” It’s an ancient line, but the feeling it describes is timeless—those moments when everything feels heavy, uncertain, and hope seems out of reach.
Understanding the Darkness
The darkness Isaiah talks about isn’t just about the sun setting or a starless night. It’s about those times when confusion, fear, and trouble seem to blanket everything. Think of the moments when the news is filled with pain, wars, or disasters. Or closer to home, when life’s challenges pile up—job worries, family struggles, loneliness—and it’s hard to see a way forward. This is the “darkness covering the earth,” when the weight of the world presses in from all sides.
A Deeper Shade: The Darkness Among People
The “thick darkness” or “gross darkness” that Isaiah mentions goes even deeper. It’s not just the world outside us; it’s the gloom that can settle inside—anxiety, hopelessness, feeling lost or divided from others. Sometimes, it’s about losing sight of what’s good and true. It can be the coldness between people, the lack of understanding, or the walls we put up out of fear or anger. It’s when we can’t see a way out, and it feels like the light has left us behind.
But Light Still Breaks Through
Here’s the heart of Isaiah’s message: even when darkness seems everywhere—outside and within—there’s always hope for something more. The verse doesn’t end with darkness. It says, “but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you.” In simple terms, that means there’s a promise of light, of change, of something better breaking through.
Think of it like this: after the longest, coldest night, the sun always rises. No matter how thick the clouds, light finds a way. In our lives, this might mean a kind word when we need it most, a helping hand, or a moment of clarity when the path looked impossible. Sometimes, it’s the strength we find inside ourselves to keep going, or the unexpected support of community.
What Does It Mean for Us?
This promise is more than just comfort. It’s a call to action. We’re invited to look for the light, to remember that even when the world feels dark, we are not alone. More than that, we’re called to be part of the answer—to bring light into our communities and relationships, to choose hope and compassion, to help others see that a new day is possible.
It’s like lighting a candle in a dark room—it doesn’t take away all the darkness at once, but it changes everything around it. Each act of kindness, understanding, and courage pushes back the shadow.
A Shared Responsibility
Isaiah’s words remind us that we all have a part to play. Care for each other, for our world, and for ourselves is how the dawn breaks. Facing up to the difficult truths, supporting one another, and refusing to give up are how the light grows stronger. We’re not just waiting for the light—we’re helping bring it.
Embracing Both Light and Shadow
Life is a mix of light and darkness. We can’t always avoid the hard times, but we can remember that the dark never has the final word. By seeking and sharing the light—however small it may seem—we honor the hope at the heart of Isaiah’s message.
So when darkness feels overwhelming, take heart: the story isn’t over. The light will rise. Our part is to keep looking for it, to be it for others, and to trust that even the deepest night gives way to a glorious morning.
— Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 