In the middle of a quiet night, a tired mama reaches for her crying baby.  She rests her weary body into the rocker and slowly begins the rhythmic routine of feeding, burping, and rocking.  Her steady breathing and silent prayers produce a calm over this treasured bundle.  Her fatigue fights to win as she soothes this little one in the stillness of the darkness.  Peace wins out and sleep eventually rests on both.

There is a mystery about the magic of a mother’s touch as she reaches for her child in the night.  This sacred act is one that brings relief in sadness and comfort in pain.  It lightens the night and chases the shadows away.

I am often reminded that this place of rest and comfort is an example of the unique way that God pours His light into our lives.  When we are at our greatest loss, He provides comfort.  When we are in our deepest misery, He provides healing.  When we are walking in the darkest place, He brings the light.

Light from Him comes in a variety of places and faces.  The prophet Isaiah tells that “…the Lord will be your everlasting light….”(Isaiah 60:19-20)  He will “…turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground….” (Isaiah 42:16)

Have you ever been in such despair that you saw little relief in sight?  In these moments it can be difficult to find a glimpse of Him.  But God continually shows us glimmers of Himself and the rescuing light that makes up His character.

Light in Hard Times

Job losses, health changes, relationship trials, and parenting worries are all places we crave direction and comfort.  God brings seasons for which we can be grateful. He faithfully provides provision in physical, mental, and emotional ways. 

These little glimmers, these reflections of Him in our everyday worries are light shimmers of Him.  They can be found in a kind word, a beautiful sunset, or a warm cup of tea.  We can lean into the truths of scripture and pour our hearts out in prayer to Him.  In these moments of difficulty, we can cling to the promises that “…he is a shield for all those who take refuge in Him.” (Psalm 18:30)

Light in Places I Go

God continually shows Himself in the places He directs us.  When I lean into His desires and fight my pride to go my own way, I regularly see reflections of His glory. Earlier in Psalm 18, the writer exclaims “It is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lights my darkness. (Psalm 18:28) 

He brings people to rub shoulders with and to share the message of the good news.  He brings us laughter in places that are hard.  He provides wisdom to know when to stay and when to go.  God is present when we think we are alone.

Light in Faces I Meet

Lastly, God uses the beautiful people He has created to encourage me and show me his unique character.  I feel the love of God in the smile in someone’s eyes when I am discouraged.  I hear the love of God in the kind word from the mom with four toddlers in tow.  I see the graciousness of God in my child’s teacher when I have been overwhelmed.  He regularly brings people into our lives that bless and show us different parts of His faithfulness, love, and mercy.

All of these are places that God continually shows me the light of Himself.  The beauty of this light that He shows me, is that in return I can take this light and show it to others.  For those who belong to Him, we carry Jesus’ light into a world that carries a cloud of darkness.  All because He showers us with the glory of Himself, we can pass on His light to those who are crying in the shadows.

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Laura Sumpter is a native of the Pacific Northwest. She has been a teacher for over 20 years and she loves teaching children and women of all ages how to practically apply Scripture. She counts her husband and three children as the greatest blessings of her life. When she is not writing or teaching you can find her at the beach, in her garden, decorating her home, or playing with her family. Laura lives each day believing that God is faithful, no matter the circumstance. She desires to express the deep and satisfying hope that only Jesus can bring. You can find the lessons God is teaching her at her blog https://lauraesumpter.com/ or on Instagram.