Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Isaiah 9:2 (New Living Translation)
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

What is "a great light"? It is of course the Saviour, Jesus Christ. The light of Christ brought the promise of deliverance for Israel, just as it can for us.

Are you in the depth of darkness and despair and need a glimmer of light and hope at the end of the tunnel? Maybe you are living in the darkness of divorce or in the shadow of death, or perhaps you have given up seeing any light in a dark family or church situation. Even those who seem to be iving "in the light", may be living in the deepest darkness of all - they may just be able to put on a "public" persona when needed.

Don't despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel - just look up and see Jesus! Here's what Jesus said in John 8:12 (The Message):
I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.

When it's dark things always seem worse, just switch off your electricity for a wee while and you'll soon see how difficult it is! But the word of God penetrates the darkness of our soul - God can turn the lights back on and lift you from your darkest times. Take the opportunity today to ask God to let the light shine on you again.

The Light Has Come by The New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army contains several of my favourite songs "The Candle of the Lord" and "The Light Has Come" - to me the most powerful words in these songs is the last line of The Light Has Come which states:

No more we walk in darkness
The Light HAS come!

Enjoy the music and the video accompaniment!

The Point of Pain

The darkness that surrounds grief or depression can be so deep that it seems no light will ever penetrate it, and that no end is in sight.

Depression is not something that has only just been recognised, it existed in the times when the bible was written. Job was one of those who suffered deep depression and pain:

Job 3:20-23 (NIV)
"Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in?."

There was a point to Job's suffering, he learned various lessons during his depression which he couldn't have learned any other way. He learned lessons which are still relevant to each of us today:

• We have an intercessor in heaven who counts our tears and can lift us out of depression
• We have a living Redeemer who will stand on earth at last
• God is the the power behind all nature and the one who cares for all He has made

Job came out of his dark time with a new insight:
My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Job 42:5 (NIV)

When we're in our darkest times, that's often when we see God in a way we would never have seen when life is running smoothly for us. What we find out about God during our darkest times is what can make those painful and depressing times worthwhile - maybe not right at that time, but certainly later when we truly appreciate what God has done for us.

God's presence is as important to us as God's protection, and God's presence is all we need.

Checkout Jeremy Camp's website: http://www.jeremycamp.com/

Why?

How many times have you asked youself Why or "why do so many things go wrong for me"?, Why do bad things always seem to happen to good people?

You're not the first and I'm certain you will definitely not be the last person to ask those questions. The bible tells us in Habakkuk 1:2-4
The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: God, how long do I have to cry out for help before you listen? How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!" before you come to the rescue? Why do you force me to look at evil, stare trouble in the face day after day? Anarchy and violence break out, quarrels and fights all over the place. Law and order fall to pieces. Justice is a joke. The wicked have the righteous hamstrung and stand justice on its head.

Don't think that just because you've accepted God into your heart, that you will not experience things of sadness or depression or "dark times". Accepting God into your life simply means that when the dark times come in your life, you can confident that God will be by your side and will be your strength and comfort during these times.

So when your struggling with what life has thrown your way, rely and God, pray to Him to give you strength and direction to get your through. But always remember, just because you ask God for answers, He may not give you the answer that you wanted to hear, but don't despair, keep your eyes focused on God and He will help you find your way through the dark clouds that surround you.

Out of the Darkness by Tim Hughes
I could live a thousand years
Never earn a moment of your grace
Even in my darkest day
You shine on me
You shine on me

And out of the Darkness
You brought me into your glorious light
Saved from the death i was facing
Rejoicing in the future, a hope that is mine

The greatest of all gifts
From the greatest of all givers
Jesus there upon the cross
True love displayed for all to see

And your grace runs after me
Runs after me
Everyday of my life
And Your mercies they never fail
They never fail
Everyday of my life

Please checkout Tim Hughes website:

http://www.timhughesmusic.com/

Let Go

God will never let you go, no matter what you may have done in the past, or what you may do in the future. Even so, let lead you and guide you through each day...He will never let you go.

Never Let Me Go
In the shadows; My spirit weak
Love broke through the darkness and lifted me
And I know you'll never let me go

In the storm in the raging sea
Love conquered the fear and delivered me
And I know you'll never let me go

Oh love in the shadows
Be the light who leads me on
You're love I will follow
Be my guide, You're will be done
Oh Lord

In the arms of the One unseen
Love carried the cross that was meant for me
And I know you'll never let me go

Oh love in the shadows
Be the light who leads me on
You're love I will follow
Be my guide, You're will be done

Oh Lord I surrender, now forever I'll be loved
In the love of the Father, You are faithful You are strong
So hold me now, hold me now, hold me now

Nothing in this life has walked these streets
Love opened my eyes show me what You see
And I know I'll never let You go