Scripture in Action

Aneel Aranha is an author, preacher, and evangelist who has spoken to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. You can find a huge selection of his reflections, articles, sermons, songs and other resources on his app.

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Scripture in Action

Day 166

August 19, 2025 • Aneel Aranha • Season 3 • Episode 166

0:00 | 27:54

Discover how God's faithful presence shines through suffering as we explore Isaiah's Immanuel prophecy, Psalm 22's honest anguish, and Jesus' willing submission in Matthew 26.

Day 166 – God With Us in the Dark

Isaiah 7–10
Psalm 22
Matthew 26

Some fears make us stop asking for help. The weight gets so heavy that managing it quietly feels safer than hoping. That's where we meet King Ahaz in Isaiah 7. Enemies are closing in, and his heart is shaking like trees in the wind. God offers him a sign, anything he wants, and Ahaz says no. So God gives one anyway. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel, God with us. A few chapters later, light breaks through the gloom. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. To us a child is born, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Psalm 22 tells us what that child would one day cry out. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me. Then Matthew 26 walks us into the night it happened. A garden. A kiss. A courtyard fire where Peter warmed his hands and said he never knew Him. Read side by side, these passages show that Immanuel never meant God watching from a distance.

At the heart of these chapters is a simple idea. God never promised to keep us out of the darkness. He promised to come down into it, and He went through the worst of it Himself.

So how do we live this out today?

First, pray one completely honest prayer. Let Psalm 22 be your model. Tell God exactly how the situation looks and feels from where you're standing.

Second, stay awake with someone in their own Gethsemane. Make the call, send the message, or sit with the friend you know is struggling. Resist the urge to fill the silence with advice.

Third, pick one of the four names in Isaiah 9:6 that meets your need right now. Wonderful Counselor. Mighty God. Everlasting Father. Prince of Peace. Use that name today when you talk to Him.

Before the day gets busy, remember this. Immanuel means God comes into the dark, not around it. Whatever night you're walking through, He has already been there ahead of you.

Thank you for joining me today. May God give you honest words, a listening heart, and the comfort of knowing He is nearer than your fear. Until tomorrow, walk closely with Him and trust Him with each step.