September 16
Light in the Darkness, Comfort in the Struggle
Today's Reading
Old Testament
New Testament
- Isaiah 60-63
New Testament
- 2 Corinthians 1
Devotion
Isaiah 60–63 offers a vision of renewal and restoration. After chapters filled with judgment and sorrow, the light begins to shine. Isaiah 60 opens with a command: arise, shine, for your light has come. God promises that His glory will rise upon His people even while darkness covers the earth. This is not a shallow hope—it is deeply rooted in God’s faithfulness to restore what is broken. The Lord speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins, exchanging shame for honor, and clothing His people in garments of salvation and robes of righteousness.
These chapters also remind us of God’s righteous anger against sin and injustice, but His justice is never separated from His mercy. In Isaiah 61, the Servant proclaims good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and comfort for those who mourn. This is the same passage Jesus read in the synagogue at the beginning of His ministry, identifying Himself as the fulfillment of this hope.
In Isaiah 63, we see God’s deep emotional connection with His people. Even when they grieve His Spirit, He remembers the days of old, when He led them through the sea. The passage ends with a cry of remembrance and longing, echoing the prayers of a people who have seen God’s power and now long for His presence again.
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul echoes a similar truth: God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in theirs. Paul doesn't hide the reality of suffering—in fact, he shares openly about being under great pressure, even beyond his ability to endure. But through it all, he points to a God who raises the dead and delivers again and again.
Together, these passages reveal a God who brings light in darkness, comfort in suffering, and restoration after ruin. He is not distant or indifferent—He is near to the broken, active in redemption, and always faithful. Whether we’re standing in the ruins or walking into the light, He walks with us and calls us to hope again.
These chapters also remind us of God’s righteous anger against sin and injustice, but His justice is never separated from His mercy. In Isaiah 61, the Servant proclaims good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and comfort for those who mourn. This is the same passage Jesus read in the synagogue at the beginning of His ministry, identifying Himself as the fulfillment of this hope.
In Isaiah 63, we see God’s deep emotional connection with His people. Even when they grieve His Spirit, He remembers the days of old, when He led them through the sea. The passage ends with a cry of remembrance and longing, echoing the prayers of a people who have seen God’s power and now long for His presence again.
In 2 Corinthians 1, Paul echoes a similar truth: God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. He comforts us in our troubles so that we can comfort others in theirs. Paul doesn't hide the reality of suffering—in fact, he shares openly about being under great pressure, even beyond his ability to endure. But through it all, he points to a God who raises the dead and delivers again and again.
Together, these passages reveal a God who brings light in darkness, comfort in suffering, and restoration after ruin. He is not distant or indifferent—He is near to the broken, active in redemption, and always faithful. Whether we’re standing in the ruins or walking into the light, He walks with us and calls us to hope again.
Reflection Questions
- What area of your life feels like it’s in ruins and needs God’s restoration and light?
- How have you experienced God's comfort in a hard season, and how might you use that experience to encourage someone else?
- What would it look like this week to “arise and shine,” trusting that God’s glory is still rising over you even when things feel dark?
Prayer
Father God, Thank You for being near in my sorrow, faithful in my waiting, and powerful in my restoration. You shine light in the darkest places and offer peace when my heart is heavy. Help me to receive Your comfort, wear Your righteousness, and extend hope to others. Teach me to walk in Your promises and remember that Your glory is rising even when I don’t yet see it. Amen.
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