Dawn of a New Day

The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.—Proverbs 4:18 NASB

As he was writing his first symphony, Russian composer Dmitri Shostakovich described feeling gloomy and uncertain. Wanting to “cry out in terror,” he felt suffocated by darkness. Listening to this music, we can sense these emotions even today.

Like many who lived in Russia in those days, Shostakovich struggled with fear and doubt. He felt like he was living in a prison, overwhelmed with fear for himself and his children.

In similar ways, people all around us live in fear and worry. Many are burdened by financial or health problems or challenges in their families.

Christians are not immune from pressures, struggles, and fear. We make mistakes and face challenges and problems. But the Bible reminds us that God can change everything. We become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). We can draw on the power of the Spirit to have peace and joy, even amid the darkest of times. God can give us a path that “is like the light of dawn.” He can give us direction, hope, and peace.

We also have the joy of sharing the Good News with others. Help them realize that there is hope. There is an answer. The answer is in Jesus and in trusting our lives to Him.

Today, renew your faith in Jesus. Don’t wallow in fear or give in to darkness. Celebrate the hope you have in Christ. And dedicate yourself to bringing light to the lost.

Reflection Question: How do you plan to choose to walk in light instead of darkness today?