The Beacon of Hope

I wonder how many times, down through the ages, a ship’s helmsman, lost at sea or being tossed around aimlessly in angry waters, has spotted the beacon from a lighthouse shining brightly off in the distance.  I’m sure they rejoiced, suddenly full of hope after seeing the light, and no doubt it calmed many troubled souls.

I can only imagine the hopeless feeling of not knowing one’s fate while being at the mercy of the powers of Mother Nature.  Caught in a raging storm or perhaps uncharted waters, the crew may have wondered whether they would ever see land again.  Treacherous swells and hard-hitting waves smashing against the ship’s hull had to put everyone on pins and needles.

But there, off in the distance, shining through the darkness of potential death, the beacon of hope beamed brilliantly because of a caretaker who took their job seriously.  They understood the worth of saving lives and the importance of keeping the lighthouse and its light in tip-top working condition.  Perhaps they never knew how many lives that light would help save, but they faithfully kept it burning for those who desperately needed to see it.

It is here that I will endeavor to share some thoughts for today, in hopes of bringing comfort, direction, or words of encouragement to whomever reads this.

I believe many Christians have had similar experiences when dealing with the storms of life, with little hope of finding peace and tranquility as they circle within a whirlpool of despair and unanswered questions.

But out of the darkness, the Beacon of Hope—Jesus Christ—shines brightly, showing us the way to God’s haven of rest.  Jesus is the Light of the World when darkness looms and the waves of anxiety beat against us.

And perhaps there is another lesson in that lighthouse.  We are not the light: Christ is.  But just as the caretaker faithfully kept the light burning for those who were lost in the darkness, we can allow His light to shine through our lives.  We may never know whose troubled heart our words, our actions, or our willingness to help might reach.  But we can keep the light burning.

I’m glad I serve the Most High God, who speaks, “Peace, be still!” in our time of need.  He speaks peace to the storms that come against the children of God.

Acts 17:28 says: “For in Him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”

When trouble comes at you out of the darkness of angry clouds, don’t lose hope.

Hope is in the boat with you.

He is shining His light across the waters of turmoil, showing you the way to safety and tranquil harmony.

Written by,

Papa Boyd