Light In The Darkness Of Disappointment

Isaiah 9:1,2,6; John 8:12

Come into the light because the alternative is shady at best

Soul Food

“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations: The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned……For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

- Isaiah 9:1,2,6 (NIV)
 

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

- John 8:12 (NIV)

Soul Search

• Can you recall one or more times when you were really looking forward to something but then it didn’t happen and you had your hopes dashed and disappointment set in?
  Are there one or two particularly memorable – and maybe painful – times when you suffered terrible disappointment?
  Are you able to describe your experiences?

• How did you handle the disappointment(s)?

• If you are a follower of Jesus, do you believe He can help you handle disappointment differently than you would if you didn’t know Him?
  Can you compare and contrast how you handled disappointments before you knew Jesus and how God helps you handle disappointments now that you know Him?

Soul Moves

• Has the light of Jesus dawned on the darkness in your life and lifted the gloom of distress that has been on you?
  If not, now is a good time to invite the life of Jesus into your life and to ask the Holy Spirit of God to come into you and bring the life and light of Jesus that can lift you out of darkness.

• If you’re struggling with the darkness of disappointment in your life, ask God to give you His light and His Word to break through the darkness that wants to surround you.

• Remember that the light of the world is a person and His name is Jesus.
  Profess that you’re a follower of Him because He has said that whoever follows Him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life.