Isaiah 9:1-7 is a beautiful reminder that even in seasons of darkness, God is not silent, and He is not distant. We often spend so much of our energy fearing the threats around us, consumed by what could go wrong. But Isaiah calls us to a holy reset — to turn our eyes from fear and fix them on the living, true God who holds all things in His hands.

God doesn’t promise a life free of hardship, but He promises His presence in the midst of it. And in His presence, even suffering can become something redemptive, deepening our joy and drawing us closer to Him. The darkness will not last forever. Light is coming, and it’s found in Him.

Isaiah also challenges us to examine our hearts. So often, we’re focused on the problems “out there,” when the real battle is happening “in here.” Sin and death — our deepest enemies — are the true yokes of slavery. But the good news? Jesus is coming to break those yokes. He brings peace where there was anxiety, freedom where there was bondage, and joy where there was sorrow.

So let’s not walk away from the glory of the one true God. Let’s shift our prayers from striving to trusting, from self-centeredness to God-centeredness. He is worthy. He is trustworthy. And He is with us — our Light in the darkness.