My friend, it is a joyous blessing to sit in the presence of the Lord and listen to Him. He fills our hearts with indescribable joy. Today, His promise for us comes from Isaiah 60:2, "See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you." Yes, the Lord's glory is coming upon us! But how does this darkness enter our lives? It happens when we allow negativity to take root. When we sit and continually gossip about others, speak ill of them, complain, or make fun of them, darkness and gloom begin to rise in our hearts. Similarly, when we fill our minds with fearful or troubling conversations, hearing things like, “Oh, our jobs are not secure,” or “Your family situation is in great trouble,” or “How will we ever find the money for what we need?”, fear creeps into our hearts. And when we keep on watching or engaging in lustful things, a deep darkness overtakes us. This is what the world gives. A deep blanket of darkness that covers us.

But, my friend, there is another way. When you sit in the presence of the Lord, read the Bible, pray in the Spirit, or join hands in prayer with someone, His light shines upon you. When you serve Him with zeal and listen to a servant of God proclaiming His promises or prophetic words, you will see the Lord’s glory rising over you. Yes, His glory will appear, surrounding your life with His divine presence, and leading you in all that you do. Remember Adam and Eve. When they walked daily with the Lord and fulfilled His purposes, God's glory rested upon them. But the moment they sinned and disobeyed Him, His glory departed, and darkness covered them. The curse of sin overshadowed their lives. 

So today, let us be careful to keep the Lord close. Let us cry out to Him, “Lord, help us to turn away from earthly things. Let us not dwell on earthly conversations, gossip, or wrongdoings. Help us resist the urge to follow harmful advice or succumb to fear from threats and warnings. Let our hearts be secure in Your word.” May God’s glory rise upon you today and lead your life. With His light, you will shine brightly, and His presence will guide your every step. 

PRAYER: 
Loving Lord, I come before You with a humble heart, longing for Your presence. Shine Your light upon me, Lord, and drive away every darkness that tries to entangle me. Help me to turn away from gossip, fear, and sin that will affect my relationship with You. Fill me with the joy of Your word and the strength of Your Spirit. Teach me to trust in Your promises and walk in complete obedience to Your perfect will. Let Your glory rise upon me and lead me in every step I take. Let my life reflect Your divine presence always and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.