Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 
_{Mark 1:35 NIVUK}

While it’s still dark
I stare at city lights
piercing the dark sky.

While it’s still dark
I sing out
hymns of praise.

While it’s still dark
I raise my hands
and ask for healing.

While it’s still dark
tiny lights blink
reassuring my anxious heart.

While it’s still dark
God continues to work
he does not sleep.

---

In this morning’s devotional a phrase draws my attention, “while it was still dark.”

I remembered darkness falling on the ICU as I sat beside him, but it wasn’t really dark. It was comforting to watch movement in the hall and know someone was keeping watch. I often stared into the darkness at the city lights and watched the cars go by. Some may call this light pollution. I call it sparks of hope.

Light in the darkness is how I define hope now.

Jesus often went to the wilderness, a place of solitude and silence, while it was still dark. He drew away to pray and seek God while it was still dark. He didn’t wait for daybreak or until he could see the path. He knew God would meet him there.

Friends, darkness does not limit God’s work. It does not deter his plan or diminish his purpose. I pray you look for light in the darkness and let it spark hope in the One who is always, always working.

Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, ‘Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,’
even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.
_{Psalm 139:7-12 NIVUK}