The Light of Hope

Have you ever been in a familiar room—your living room, your study—filled with books, photographs, keepsakes, things you know by heart? But then the power goes out. Suddenly, what was clear becomes shadowy. Shapes blur. You stumble as you try to make your way. You know the things are still there, but in the darkness, you can’t see them.

Then, in a moment, the lights come back on. Instantly, everything is clear again. You see the pictures on the wall, the books neatly lined up, the corners you hadn’t noticed in years. Colors, details, and connections come alive again—all of it had been there the whole time, hidden in the shadows.

That’s what St. Paul was praying for the Ephesians when he said, “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you” (Ephesians 1:18). St. Paul was asking God to turn the lights back on inside them—to awaken them to what had always been there: hope, destiny, and blessing.

Too often, we go through life like that dark room. God has filled our lives with blessings, opportunities, and purpose. But discouragement, worry, or fear can dim the light. We stumble around, not seeing the gifts already around us. We think hope is far away, but it’s not. It’s just hidden in the shadows.

Maybe today you feel like you’re in a season of darkness. You can’t see your way forward. You’re asking, “God, where are You? What’s my purpose? Where’s my hope?” Friend, the truth is—everything you need is already in the room. The blessings, the wisdom, the strength, the calling—it’s already there. You just need God to flip the switch.

So don’t give up in the dark. Don’t let discouragement, fear, or fatigue dim your spiritual sight and convince you that hope is gone. Instead, make Paul’s prayer your own: “Lord, open the eyes of my heart. Turn the lights on inside me. Help me see Your blessings, Your plan, Your presence.”

When you live with your heart enlightened, you’ll walk with peace. You’ll face challenges with confidence. You’ll stumble less and stand taller, because His light shines on your path. And in Christ, the light of hope never goes out.