Definition: Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end [is] it for you? the day of the LORD [is] darkness, and not light.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Amos 5:18. It's a really important message about our relationship with God and how we should live our lives. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we should be concerned about the future – the day of the Lord – and understand that it’s not about happiness or joy, but rather about a time of darkness and hardship. Let's unpack it word by word: “Amos 5:18” : This refers to a prophet named Amos who lived in Israel during a period of great trouble. He was warning people about the future. “Woe unto you…” : This is a very strong word – “woe” means sorrow and misfortune. It's a serious warning. “…that desires the day of the LORD?” : This asks: "Are you actively wanting or desiring this time?" “to what end [is] it for you?” : This is the core of the verse – “Why is this happening? What’s the purpose?” It's asking why we should be worried and focused on this future. “the day of the LORD is darkness…” : This is the key point. The "day of the Lord" refers to a time of trouble, suffering, or hardship – things like famine, war, plague, or disappointment. It's not a happy, peaceful time. "...and not light." : This completes the picture. It means that this darkness isn’t about something bad happening to us. It’s about a period where we don’t experience good things, joy, or blessings. It's a time of sadness and despair. So, what does it mean practically? Amos is urging people to: Change our focus: Instead of trying to find happiness in the present moment (which isn’t possible), we should shift our attention to God and His plan for us. Live righteously: It means doing what's good, just, and true – following God's laws and principles. Prepare for hardship: Because the verse says it will be dark, we need to be ready for difficult times. In short, Amos is telling us to not be caught up in fleeting pleasures or distractions, but to focus on God’s plan and prepare for a time of challenge. Important Note: This verse isn't about despair – it’s about recognizing that difficult times are inevitable. It’s a call to repentance and a reminder that we should always turn to God when things get tough. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Give you some examples of how this verse applies to modern life?