A Prayer to See God’s Hope Reflected in Summer’s Light - Your Daily Prayer - July 9

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A Prayer to See God’s Hope Reflected in Summer’s Light
By: Whitney Hopler

“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

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Summer is a season filled with light. The sun rises early in the morning, stretches across long afternoons, and stays shining until later in the evening than at any other time of year. Even when the daylight finally fades, on clear nights, bright stars shine in the sky.

You may spend more time outside during summer than you do during other seasons – walking in the bright morning sunshine or the golden afternoon sunshine, watching sunset colors streak across the sky, and stargazing. It’s natural to be drawn to the light.

The wonder of summer light can remind you of Jesus’ powerful words in John 8:12, where he says, “I am the light of the world,” and promises that anyone who follows him “will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” By calling himself the light of the world, Jesus revealed that he alone brings the guidance and life people need in this fallen world filled with darkness.

It can sometimes feel overwhelming to deal with all the darkness in this world. Between all the bad news that’s being reported around the world every day and all the personal struggles you have to deal with daily, it can seem like darkness is stronger than light. But Jesus’ words show that light is much stronger than darkness. Just like lighting a candle in a dark room shows that light dispels darkness physically, Jesus points out in this verse that light also dispels darkness spiritually. Jesus is the source of all light, and the light Jesus shines is able to overcome darkness in any situation – no matter how challenging that situation may be.

Summer’s light can inspire you with hope when you consider how – spiritually, as well as physically – darkness may appear powerful, but light always wins when it arrives. When you follow Jesus, his presence illuminates the path ahead. His enlightenment guides you to discover God’s best for you, and his promises encourage you that God has a hopeful future planned for you when you follow him.

The light Jesus offers is called “the light of life.” That phrase describes how your life can be shaped by the presence of Jesus himself. When you notice Jesus’ constant presence with you and connect with him, you’re no longer stuck in darkness. You can see Jesus’ light and follow where it leads, to God’s best for you.

Summer gives you many opportunities to reflect on God’s hope while you enjoy the light around you. You can say a prayer of gratitude for God’s gift of a new day while watching a sunrise. On a summer afternoon, you can consider how God’s grace covers every situation in your life, just like golden sunlight covers everything you see outdoors. At sunset in the evening, you can think about how every day and night rest in God’s faithful care, since God is the Father of the heavenly lights that always appear reliably. Stargazing on clear summer nights can inspire awe by reminding you of God's vast and powerful nature.

Enjoying summer light and letting it lead you to reflect on God’s hope can renew your perspective in powerful ways. It helps you see that the God who created the physical light you see around you is the same God who offers spiritual light to your soul. Whenever you struggle with discouragement in this dark world, you can let summer’s light give you fresh encouragement that God’s light is strong enough to help you overcome any challenge.

So, take advantage of as many opportunities as you can to experience the wonderful light of summer. Look outside, and go outside, in summer’s light whenever you can. When you do, let that light remind you of Jesus’ promise that he is the light of the world. Jesus’ light is stronger than any kind of darkness in this world. His hope is greater than the struggles you face, as well. Whenever you need encouragement, you can turn to Jesus and find the light of life again!

Let’s pray:

Dear Jesus, thank you for the wonderful light you’ve placed in the world around me. The sunlight of summer days and the stars that shine on clear nights remind me of your goodness and power. You say that you are the light of the world, and that those who follow you will not walk in darkness. Please help me remember that promise whenever I get discouraged about the darkness in this fallen world. Remind me to look beyond my dark circumstances to the light of hope that you’re always shining. Let the light of summer remind me again and again that your light is stronger than any darkness in this world. Fill my life with the peace and confidence that come from walking in your light each day. Thank you, amen.

Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional spoke to you on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/NicoElNino

Whitney Hopler helps people discover God's wonder and experience awe. She is the author of several books, including the nonfiction books Wake Up to Wonder and Wonder Through the Year: A Daily Devotional for Every Year, and the young adult novel Dream Factory. Whitney has served as an editor at leading media organizations, including Crosswalk.com, The Salvation Army USA’s national publications, and Dotdash.com (where she produced a popular channel on angels and miracles). She currently leads the communications work at George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being. Connect with Whitney on her website at www.whitneyhopler.com and on her Facebook author page.

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