This past weekend I was driving home from a coffee shop with my friends. We were blaring worship music, and the sun was just setting, following us with every turn we made. But even though the hills fluctuated, one thing stayed certain. That beautiful, bright sun stayed with us wherever we went. We couldn’t get away from it. It was during this time that I thought of a greater and bigger light that stays with us for the rest of our lives.

On that ride home, the hills were taking us up and down. When we were at the bottom of the road, the little bit of sun we could see cast a shadow around us. But then when we came up at the top of the hill, we were welcomed by the sweet presence of that large, warm circle of light. No matter what happened or where we were on that winding road, that sun remained. It lit the way and it gave us a presence of peace and strength, a message to keep going.

Isn’t that a testament to God?

When life sucks, he is still there. He is still leading the way, he is still making a way. When life is sunshine and daisies, and we are at the very top, he is still there. He never ever changes. Even though that road changes, even though life changes, that sun stayed the same. It served the same purpose.

As you may know, this has been a season of trust. Questions go unanswered, and things are happening that are out of my control. I wonder how everything is all going to work out, how this mess will eventually become a beautiful masterpiece. And through that, I believe God spoke to me on that car ride. He is there, even when we can only see a hint of him, he is guiding us and he will never leave nor forsake us.

I told my friend that, and she reminded me of this verse that I want to share with you today:

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;” Psalm 23:4

Notice how it’s not pitch black in that valley? There is still a shadow. And for there to be a shadow means there needs to be a light. Just as we could barely see a light in the bottom of the hill, we knew it was still there. There was still hope.

I don’t know what you’re going through, but I invite you to keep looking to the light. Don’t you dare believe you are alone in your struggle. It is never too dark, too hopeless, too far away from you. It goes before you and will lead the way.

And you know that the sun led us all the way home? To our final destination, to our goal. Its awe and beauty stayed with us on that whole twenty minutes. And that light and hope will follow you and I for the rest of our lives, however long and hard the seasons may be.

Remember that even when it’s tough, we can look to the sun and trust that we can make it home. That light is worth running towards. Let’s keep our eyes on the beams, on good things, on hope, on restoration. God is there and he is here, and he’s not going anywhere. He’s completing the race with you, he’s with you when things are great and when things look like they’ll never be good again. He’s there through it all.

And isn’t that comforting?

Keep going. Keep fighting. It will be worth it.

Xoxo,

Ash