“I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16.

The Irish have a beautiful saying that inspires hope during adversity. “Remember,” they say, “that the darkest hour of all is the hour before day.” The “morning star” (the planet Venus) is the brightest object in the sky before dawn, signaling the end of the night. My friends, Jesus is the Bright and the Morning Star; He is the light of the world, the Day- Star of eternal life! “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” Revelation 22:16.

In life, darkness is often associated with difficult periods such as grief, depression, heartache, or uncertainty, in contrast to light (knowledge, joy, and truth). But our hope is anchored in Jesus, the true “Light” who will always dispel the darkest of hours! “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5.

Even the best-laid plans go awry; unfavorable circumstances pop up out of the blue, and loved ones can disappoint us. But the word of God gives us the hope and peace we need to run this Christian race day by day. The enemy of our soul consistently desires to make us fret; but the comfort of God’s word will always point us back to His unfailing love and peace: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.” Psalm 42:5.

Praise God, we are never alone. As the familiar hymn reminds us … on Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. We can cast all our cares on the Lord; we have no need to fear; He has a master plan for all His beloved children. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11.

The children of Israel were in captivity; things appeared hopeless, but God stepped in and sent a word of comfort through the prophet Jeremiah. Although they would endure seventy years before their deliverance, they were instructed to build homes, marry, raise families, and honor His name. Their situation appeared bleak, yet the morning star would soon rise! “For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.” Jeremiah 30:3.

If you are facing a challenging situation today and are uncertain about the path forward, remember that God is already working behind the scenes. Just trust in God and remain encouraged; your deliverance is on the way. Yes, the darkest hour is just before dawn, but the brightest and most unique star of all will rise in the east just before the sun appears on the horizon!

My friends, Jesus is the Bright and Morning Star, and He will shine His love within our hearts to dispel even the darkest circumstances. Glory to God in the highest. He is the dawn of every new day, and He will always provide a way where none seems possible. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37.

May God’s peace and blessings be with you all.