By Pastor Dennis Morales

“…the Dayspring from on high has visited us; To give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, To guide our feet into the way of peace.” Luke 1:78-79

Zechariah was given word that his wife would have a son. His name would be John. John the Baptist would be the one paving the way for the Messiah. Zechariah doubted and was made mute. When John was born, Zechariahs tongue was loosed, and he broke out in song. Prior to this, it was a dark time for Zechariah. We find that sometimes the darkness and difficulty is orchestrated by the Lord. We have valleys and mountaintops all throughout our lives. Most of the time we spend is in the valleys. The place that even Psalm 23 calls “the valley of the shadow of death.” Martin Luther King said that “it is only in darkness that you see the stars.”

I recently experienced one of the most difficult times in my life and ministry. Someone very close to me tragically took his own life. The guilt, darkness, shame, and horror just enveloped me like never before. It was very hard not to feel responsible in some way. I remember reading this verse during this time of darkness. I knew at that moment that the Lord was breaking through. It’s a process, but I can sense the Lord’s presence even in the darkness. The Lord gives His light in the darkness, and it’s also in the darkness that He gives his amazing peace.

If you are struggling, please reach out to somebody. Be candid and real. If you are on the receiving end of a call for help. Do everything you can to stand in the gap and seek help. I am reminded that no matter how thick the darkness, it can’t put out even the tiniest of lights. Scripture says that Jesus is the light of the world. He is the Dayspring, which means He is the first appearance of light or sunrise. God reveals His light through Jesus, who is the Light of heaven who came into the world (John 8:12). A world which is riddled with darkness, pain, sickness, depression, and hate. He experienced the darkness of death when he gave his life (Hebrews 4:15). He died and was buried. But the grave could not hold him. He rose! He conquered the darkness of sin, which is at the core of so much pain in the world. He did it for YOU. Even though we may be in darkness, we could experience His light and His peace. Trust in Him today. He is the Dayspring.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am at Eastvale Elementary. Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org. Download their app to be up to date on all events. Livestream, YouTube live, and Facebook live is available.