The Upper Room Devotional 24 April 2026, Thursday Message
Transforming Light
Lori A. Geppert (Iowa, USA)
Today’s Reading
Matthew 27:45-56
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness doesn’t extinguish the light. – John 1:5 (CEB)
Skyscrapers cast cold shadows through my drive downtown to work on Good Friday. An occasional intersection crossing, however, allowed a brief blast of sunlight. My mind drifted as I drove. Darkness had plagued our family for so long, and I had clung to the small glimmers of hope that broke through.
Turning west, I sat in awe as the sun’s reflection against a mirrored skywalk scattered rays of light everywhere, bouncing off the windowpanes of an old brick building nearby to yet another glass structure. It made the sun appear to be shining from every direction. I was surrounded by incredible brilliance and felt a sense of peace come over me.
The old buildings downtown had seemed drab and worn-out, but in the light they had a new radiance. On Easter Sunday, the darkness of Jesus’ crucifixion gave way to glory in our risen Savior. Similarly, Jesus can take our broken-down lives and transform them. No matter our struggles, the Son is all around us!
Thought for the Day
No matter the darkness, God’s light never fades.
Prayer Focus
Families who need hope
Read More
Reminders of Hope
The Upper Room Devotional 24 April 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More