In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it. (John 1:1-5)
When a young child gets upset or has questions or frustrations with the world, they consistently seek comfort from the same person—their parent, caregiver, or safe person. They learn through experience that this person will meet their needs. Their peers are still growing themselves and have little perspective to contribute to the struggles of childhood. The trusted adult has wisdom and love to offer, or even just a reassuring embrace to make them feel safe. As adults, even though we have gained some perspective and wisdom to cope with difficulties in life, yet we still face trials and scary unknowns. No matter where we are, we can turn to Jesus for the same kind of comfort and reassurance. Our God has been around longer than any of us, and not only that, but all things have come to exist through Him and nothing exists without Him. We can trust His perspective and receive life and comfort in our darkest moments.
Too often, as we get older, our default becomes self-sufficiency, but when we look at who our God is and the Messiah we celebrate at Advent, it is clear: we always need Him. Even when we feel like we have everything under control, we have the One who not only can help us up when we fall but shed light on the challenges of our life as we go through it with Him.
- Where do you turn when you are having a hard time? What would it look like to turn to God?
- What does this passage tell us about Jesus? Why is it important to remember these things about Him?
- Pray and ask God to help you to keep remembering your need of Him.
