2020 and 2021 have felt like a season of deep darkness for many.  Maybe for you.  Let me encourage you. 

In many ways the sense of great darkness sets the stage for God’s glorious light.  The darkness shows us how much we need God’s light.  It makes us long for it and reminds of how much we want it.  God has used periods of darkness and waiting throughout the centuries to get our attention and make us hunger for His presence.  Is that what He is doing in these days? 

Isaiah 9 addresses people who were in deep darkness.  What they probably didn’t realize, though, is that it also prophesied about a time of distress that would come on Israel over 700 years later.  Though everything seemed black, God promised He would send them a great light. 

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shined.

Isaiah 9:2 ESV

They hoped for political and economic deliverance, but God had so much more in store for them and for us.  The prophecy in Isaiah goes:

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon His shoulder,

and His Name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and of peace

there will be no end,

on the throne of David and over His kingdom,

to establish it and to uphold it

with justice and with righteousness

from this time forth and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Isa 9:6-7 ESV