Hope Waits in the Dark on Good Friday

 *Written on April 7, 2023*

Hope waits in the dark. Today is Friday; it’s Good Friday. The day when the most poignant – the truest – example of hope waiting in the dark unfolded on a hill far away where all hope seemed lost. As the sky darkened, the earth rumbled, and the clouds thundered, our HOPE willingly stepped into the dark – for me, and for all mankind ever to come. Even as God turned His face away from the HOPE of all men, He knew the dark would only last momentarily and very soon, HOPE would burst forth, in glory and power, shattering the dark that had held it back.

            That day when HOPE stepped into the dark was a day of great promise. Jesus went and shook the gates of Hell, setting captives free with HOPE. Jesus conquered death by walking straight into it. He was the HOPE in the dark, and He brought with Him LIGHT, PEACE, STRENGTH, and RESTORATION.

            So yes, today is GOOD Friday, and the dark is a necessary and important part of God’s story for us. But even in the dark, He did not leave us alone, abandoned, or alienated from HOPE. We may not have been able to recognize it for a few days, but HOPE remained. His love for us tethered our hope and made a way for us to put our faith in things that are unseen.

Don’t be afraid of waiting in the dark;

HOPE remains there with you,

Waiting for just the right moment

to restore and heal.

Jesus is our LIVING HOPE.

 

Hope waits in the dark.

Hope clings to the promise.

Hope makes the heart sing.