The Sun Will Rise

I’m sitting here past midnight with a massive migraine. And the one thought I had to write about today was, ironically, the phrase “endless night.”

“These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness...” Alma 41:7

It’s feeling like an endless night.

Luckily, I know this will pass. With the right combination of medication and caffeine. 

That phrase, “endless night,” reminded me of “The Lion King” on Broadway, which I got to see last year. There is a song in the play that’s actually called “Endless Night.” Its beautiful message really impacted me, and I listened to it a lot for awhile (just ask my kids). In that song, Simba is mourning his father, and he pleads,

“Where has the starlight gone?

Dark is the day

How can I find my way home?

Home is an empty dream

Lost to the night

Father, I feel so alone

You promised you'd be there

Whenever I needed you

Whenever I call your name

You're not anywhere

I'm trying to hold on

Just waiting to hear your voice

One word, just a word will do

To end this nightmare

When will the dawning break

Oh, endless night

Sleepless I dream of the day

When you were by my side

Guiding my path

Father, I can't find the way”

And then, with realization the chorus swells with hope:

“I know that the night must end

And that the sun will rise

And that the sun will rise

I know that the clouds must clear

And that the sun will shine

And that the sun will shine

I’ll hear your voice deep inside

The sun will rise”

Oh, the parallels with our mortal clouds and endless nights! There are dark times, we may feel alone, but we are never forgotten! The Son of God rose for US, and His own dark and endless night was so painful He asked, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” Yet, “Nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39)

His “endless night,” his sacrifice, finished with a glorious miracle- resurrection and salvation for us all.

“For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth... but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” Isaiah 60:2

Hold out for the light- it will always come.