Hope in the Midst of Darkness and Despair
The year 2023 has finally come to an end, and not a moment too soon. As you know, our church was hit extremely hard by the passing of longtime, loyal members, and their loss has left a significant void in our hearts. Since July 1, we have conducted eight Celebration-of-Life services here at Oak Chapel, and after a while, it begins to wear on us. Sadness is an unavoidable part of life, but when you lose so many people in such a short period of time, it has a profound impact on us — individually and collectively.
The good news is that these departures are not permanent. Isaiah 40:28-31 gives us encouragement, even inspiration, with this familiar passage, so often read at memorial services: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
We have been given a great gift through our faith, and it is that faith that we lean on in times of trouble and despair, lifting us up and giving us hope. God only knows what 2024 will bring, but we can rest assured that He will walk with us through the valley of darkness and up to the mountaintop of resilient light and joy. So take heart, remain faithful, obey God’s commandments, follow His Word, and love one another as he has loved us so that our journey will culminate in the glory of His eternal kingdom.