Looking Up at the Light

Walt Whitman was a famous American poet, journalist, and essayist of the 19th century, regarded as a central figure in American literature. With an optimistic spirit toward life, he said, "Always keep your face toward the light and the shadows will fall behind you." This statement contains many profound layers of meaning for us to contemplate. First, it reminds us of the importance of maintaining an optimistic attitude toward life, as well as choosing to focus on the positive aspects of our existence. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize and cherish the meaning of both light and darkness in our lives. By accepting the presence of darkness and continuously seeking the light, we can walk steadily on our life's journey with perseverance in the Lord, grateful hearts to Him for all His wonderful blessings, and an optimistic spirit of hope for His eternal Kingdom.

The Apostle Paul advised us to live with optimistic spirit by thinking upon the eight virtues in Philippians 4:8, which states, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8). King David also encouraged us to live with optimistic spirit, with steadfast resolve and trust in the Lord, looking toward the eternal future of dwelling beside Him, saying "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord" (Psalm 27:14).

Moreover, Jesus Christ declared that He is "the Light of the world," and those who follow Him will "not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life" (John 8:12). If we choose to walk in God's path, our lives will be filled with hope, for He Himself is our Source of eternal Hope. When we trust with all our hearts and look up to the Light—look up to our beloved Lord Jesus—we shall joyfully anticipate a blessed future in Heaven. In Psalm 42, the sons of Korah, while in exile and facing tribulation, praised and trusted in the Lord, singing, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me" (Psalm 42:11).

God's Light is eternal light that never fades. When we turn toward the light of God, darkness will depart from us of itself and lose its power over us, and we become renewed, full of vitality from the Lord, as the Apostle Paul declared, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17). King David also expressed his hope in God saying, "They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed" (Psalm 34:5).

Hope begins with remembering God's faithfulness, as the prophet Jeremiah expressed, "This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord" (Lamentations 3:21-26). Thanks be to God!

Though life is filled with hardships, trials, illness, difficulties, and obstacles, God's faithfulness remains unchanged! Let us always look forward, remembering God's promises, His unchanging faithfulness, and the blessed future in Heaven! This is how we can always live with optimism, joy, and peace in God! "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost" (Romans 15:13). May "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). May the power of the Holy Spirit help us ever live joyfully, serve Him faithfully, and remain steadfast in spreading the Gospel to all those around us! Amen!

God is Hope, the future, His faithfulness shall not change forever, His Name shines with glory bright, Ever remember the Almighty Word! Though ten thousand trials draw near, Hardship and tribulation—we need only God, Know that He ever watches over us, By the power of the Trinity let Him help us!

With prayer to the Holy Spirit, With all our hearts trusting and hoping in Him alone, God is our present, our today, God is the Light of Heaven's future Kingdom. Rejoice in God, O all! Let us live with optimism, for our days pass quickly!

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