Hope Shines Bright

Darkness can be broken

The first thing the Bible teaches us about darkness in our world, and in our lives- is there is Hope!

Isaiah 9:1 (NLT)

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever.

The ESV says- “But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish”

There is a solution to the darkness that tries to crowd our thoughts, our emotions, our minds, our hearts, and our lives!

And this Hope is a promise of God!

Isaiah writes this prophet word and paints the scene for which the Messiah would come and it is a time of Darkness

Isaiah speaks of the Spiritual darkness that covered the people

the loss of Hope

the acceptance of the condition

WHEN THERE IS NO HOPE- WE ACCEPT OUR CONDITION

“Those who live in darkness”

God speaks through Isaiah and says that it is in this moment when darkness has overtaken the scene- LIGHT WILL SHINE!

The Message of Hope is for those who need it!

Isaiah 9:2 ESV

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

who is this light for?

The people who walk in darkness

And the Promise is that they will see a great light!

The Promise of Hope come as the least expected time

Micah 5:1 CSB

Now, daughter who is under attack, you slash yourself in grief; a siege is set against us! They are striking the judge of Israel on the cheek with a rod.

Micah five begins Just like Isa 9- a place of of grief and darkness

the message of hope is given in a time when defeat is certain

You slash yourself in grief

Many live their life in this place of grief- where they can’t escape the defeat o their life

their live is what they have made it

The promise of Hope comes from the most unlikely place

In Defeat will come victory

In Darkness will shine light

It is only by God

Micah 5:2 CSB

Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.

How can something good come from brokenness?

How can anything good come from my life

But this is the very reason Jesus came

1 John 3:8 NLT

But when people keep on sinning, it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning. But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.

To destroy the works of the devil

John 10:10 ESV

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Hope Shines brightest in the darkness- leading the way

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Hope comes because of God

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

The motivation is God’s love-

God Gave us Jesus and is

Micah 5:4–5 (ESV)

And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,

in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.

And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great

to the ends of the earth.

And he shall be their peace.

He will shepherd

This speaks of

provision

protection

Guidance

When Jesus is the shepherd there is always hope

Psalm 23:4–6 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

The 23rd Psalm is a much of a statement of the Hope David as in the God who faithfully loves Him as it is a statement of certainty