Finding Light in Darkness: How Focusing on God Can Guide You Through Tough Times

Sept. 24th, 2025

SCRIPTURE READINGS: Deut. 6:5-6; Psalm 3

Moses, with a pronouncement called Israel, helps us understand the entirety of God's nature. He is One! The Shema is an essential aspect of the Jewish faith. It ought to be of high importance for the church today. There is one God and one God alone, found in the person Jesus Christ. Found in the Father and in the Holy Spirit. 

Some like to look out the window and see sunshine; others will look out the opposite window and see storms. Yes, we can look at the good things, but storms are not always bad.

We have different perspectives on how we view each day; however, some things are beyond our control, especially when others' choices bring about gloom. Consider King David, who was pursued by Saul for a long time and faced many gloomy days. It was not David's choice to be persecuted and pursued. 

Psalm 3 is a great place to show this perspective:

O LORD, how my adversaries have increased! 

     Many are rising up against me. 

     Many are saying of my soul, 

     “There is no deliverance for him in God.” 

Selah.

But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, 

     My glory, and the One who lifts my head. 

     I was crying to the LORD with my voice, 

     And He answered me from His holy mountain. 

Selah.

I lay down and slept; 

     I awoke, for the LORD sustains me. 

      I will not be afraid of ten thousand people 

     Who have set themselves against me round about.

Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God!

     For You have smitten all my enemies on the cheek; 

     You have shattered the teeth of the wicked. 

        Salvation belongs to the LORD; 

     Your blessing be upon Your people!

Here, King David looked to God amid being attacked from all sides. Some days are like that. I do not always advocate looking at the sunny side when darkness closes in. Why? Because we cannot ignore the darkness, we must surrender it to God. Allow Him to be our shield when the flaming arrows strike. May His voice be the one lifted above all else. Salvation belongs to Him, and that is where we find rest.