Revised from December 21, 2018

What is it about Christmas (or any other holiday for that matter) that causes whatever’s happening in our lives to be magnified?

If we’re in a good place – the lights seem brighter and more twinkly.

If we’re in a hard place – the darkness seems to set in, engulfing our very soul.

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For those who are currently in a dark place this holiday season, I want to encourage you that you’re not alone.

No matter where you are, how you got there, or how lonely you feel,

Jesus Is Standing In The Dark With You

I want to pray and invite Him into this very moment. Over those who feel the darkness setting in, trying to engulf your very soul:

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Dear Jesus,

Thank you for coming to this earth – and thank you for drawing near to us.

I know you came to stand in the dark with us – and to eventually enter into utter darkness – the darkness of Hell itself – on our behalf.

I know you came here, just to die for a world that was engulfed in darkness created by their (our) own sin.

Thank you.

LORD, I pray for those of us who are hurting this season. Who are standing in the darkness either we’ve created for ourselves or the darkness created by another, or even the darkness created by external circumstances we couldn’t control.

I pray your kingdom would rain down on us like snowflakes of golden jewels falling from the sky – causing LOVE itself to come down on us – right where we are.

Help us to look up where our help truly comes from.

We chose to take you at your Word when you say,

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

Isaiah 55:10-11

Thank you that even when we can’t believe in ourselves or believe in others, we can still believe in YOU because you watch over your word to make sure it accomplishes the very purpose for which you sent it.

Thank you that even when we are faithless or those around us are faithless, you are faithful.

Thank you for standing in the dark with us.

Thank you for being the light that repels the darkness.

Thank you.

Because you are who you say you are, I declare over all of us that, as we enter into 2020,

We will go out in joy and be led forth in peace, the mountains and hills will burst into song before us, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the darkness consuming us, Your Light will grow brighter. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. 

Isaiah 55:12-13 NIV ~ Paraphrased

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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I pray, even in the midst of darkness, you see His light – you feel His love.

I pray His light shines on you, over you, and through you to light up the world around you and repel the darkness.

I pray you truly see Him standing in the dark with you no matter how much the darkness is setting in.

Whether we’re in a season where our pain is throbbing or we have come to a place of peace or we are using our pain to fulfill God’s purpose through us – we’re never alone.

The beautiful thing about surrendering our pain to Jesus – the ONE who is standing with us – is no matter where we are in our journey of pain to peace to purpose – the light of Jesus has the power to illuminate the eyes of our imagination, flooding us with light, until we experience the FULL revelation of the HOPE to which he has called us (Ephesians 1:18) –  for own healing and eventually the healing of others.

“Here’s another way to put it: We’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept… If He makes us light-bearers, you don’t think He’s going to hide us under a bucket, do you? He’s putting us on a light stand. Now that He’s put us there on a hilltop, on a light stand—we shine!… By opening up to others, we’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matt 5:14-16 MSG ~ paraphrased.

Some of us feel deep in the depths of darkness and our pain is throbbing and our anxiety is screaming.

For those – Jesus is standing right in the middle of your deep, dark storm. Cling to Him as you are not alone. His promises are sure and secure. Just hold on a little longer.

Some of us have found peace and our screaming thoughts and emotions are coming to a calm place.

For those – keep leaning in and soaking up His presence while He continually illuminates your heart with HIS understanding and grace.

Some of us have come to a place where its time to stand up and begin walking again – using the very pain we’re healed from (or healing from) for HIS purpose of sharing His love and comfort – the same love and comfort we ourselves have received. Even if we don’t feel we’re fully ready, He’s ready to shine through us like a city on a hill.

For those – let His love and comfort shine through you and let your lives be an advertisement of His immense power as it has done its work in you – for the sake of your own healing and for the healing of others. 

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Whether you’re in the deep darkness, have found peace, or are ready to stand up and begin to walk again – I chose to call 2020 to be a year of fruitfulness, fulfillment, and God’s amazing faithfulness to shine brighter in our lives than we’ve ever seen before.

In Him,

Heather