Finding Hope
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5, echoes the Jewish concept of ner tamid)
In every synagogue, above the ark that holds the Torah, there burns a light—the ner tamid, the eternal flame. This light symbolizes God’s eternal presence with the people of Israel. No matter the circumstances, no matter the challenges, the light burns continuously as a reminder that Love is always near, even in times of darkness.
This flame has burned through generations of struggle, exile, and suffering. From the destruction of the Temple to the long centuries of diaspora, to the horrors of the Holocaust, the Jewish people have held fast to this symbol of God’s enduring presence. The ner tamid is a beacon of hope that even when the world around us seems chaotic or hopeless, God’s light is never extinguished.
In our own lives, we sometimes feel surrounded by darkness. There are seasons of uncertainty, fear, and loss when it seems like the light has gone out. But the ner tamid reminds us that there is always a spark of hope, even if we cannot always see it. God’s presence, like the eternal flame, is not dependent on our ability to perceive it—it simply is.
We are invited to trust in that light, to hold fast to the belief that even in the darkest moments, God’s presence burns brightly. And just as the eternal light requires care and attention, so too must we tend to the light within us. Through prayer, reflection, and acts of kindness, we keep the flame alive in our hearts and in our communities.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
Where in your life do you feel the presence of darkness? How can you connect with the eternal flame of hope that God offers?
What practices can you adopt to nurture and tend to the light within you, even in difficult times?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Hope in the Darkness
Eternal God,
When life feels heavy, remind me that Your light never fades.
Even in seasons of darkness, You are present, steady and sure.
Help me to nurture the flame of hope within me,
To trust in Your presence, even when I cannot see the way forward.
Let Your light shine through me, that I may bring comfort and kindness to others.
And may I find peace in knowing that Your love endures always.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Find a quiet moment to light a candle. As you do, take a few deep breaths and reflect on the presence of God’s light in your life. Hold the intention that this flame represents the ner tamid—the eternal light that never goes out.
Sit in silence for a few moments, watching the flame. If your mind wanders to worries or fears, imagine placing them gently into the flame, where they are held by God’s love.
When you are ready, offer a brief prayer of gratitude. Let the candle’s light remind you that God’s presence is constant, even in moments when life feels uncertain.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
December 1 - 4-5:30pm ET - FREE Online webinar with Rev. Jim Dant - “Understanding the Development of the Christmas Nativity Stories Through the Lens of Jewish Midrash (What You Were NOT Taught in Sunday School).” Register here.
February 6, 2025 - 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi on the launch of her latest book on depth hypnosis. Info coming soon.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
Having just celebrated an interfaith Thanksgiving service at one of our synagogues, I very much appreciate your reflection on the presence of God in, and as, the eternal light. Thank you for reminding all of us of this.
Cameron thank you for sharing these. They have really been helping me stay focused on what’s important with everything going on around us in this crazy and chaotic world. I look forward to seeing these in my inbox every morning. God bless