The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
As I sat at my desk working this morning, the sun shone so brightly that I couldn’t help but smile. I was filled with a sudden energy. On days like today, when the sun is warm and bright, it just seems to lift my spirits.
In contrast, I worked really late in my office the other night. When I turned the lights off to go downstairs, the entire upper floor was flooded with darkness. That’s when I remembered that the light switch to the hallway was on the opposite wall. This shouldn’t be a big issue. But, in order to reach the light switch, I had to step down a stair and cross this small, open landing. It was so incredibly dark that I could not see the hand in front of my face. I knew that with one misstep, I would have tumbled down the stairs. This made any movement feel quite unsafe. Praise God, after a moment or two, my eyes adjusted to the darkness. Suddenly, there was a light, albeit dim, that allowed me to navigate without issue or injury. But, for those few moments, I grappled with the darkness.
Darkness can be enveloping and unsettling. When we cannot see what lies in wait for us — whether a step, a rut that obstructs our path, a virus, or economic hardship — we can slip into a spiritual and/or emotional darkness.
Unfortunately, the way that light effects our spirit and emotions, darkness does too. During times like this, darkness can envelope and indwell us. And it can be difficult to find a light in that darkness.
But, there is hope. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3.
In this life and world, there will be darkness. We will face difficulties and trials. We will face pandemics, isolation, fear, anxiety, and a myriad of other emotions.
But Jesus is the light of this world. He has overcome the enemy of this world, death and the world itself. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:3.
He can (and will) brighten our lives, more than any sunny day when we place our faith, hope, and trust in Him.
Once we trust Jesus with our lives and repent, we never have to do that again. We should always repent of new sins that we commit, but our salvation is secure. “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” John 10:28.
But faith, hope, peace, and joy are a continual process and decision. God is the fountain from which these things all flow, but we have to continually seek after Him to be refilled. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17.
In Him, we find all good things. He is our light in the darkness.
The scripture tell us that Jesus is the light of the world. “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. We may linger in darkness for a moment, but this scripture says that we will NOT WALK in darkness. It is temporary. He will revive our spirits and fill us with hope when we seek and accept it.
And He will fill us with His light!
As followers of Jesus Christ, we not only have access to perpetual hope, joy, and peace, but we get to project His light to the world. When one person sees His light and accepts Him — just one — they become a light too! “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16.
How awesome is it that once we go home to be with the Lord, we will never experience darkness again?! ‘The sun shall no longer be your light by day, Nor for brightness shall the moon give light to you; But the LORD will be to you an everlasting light, And your God your glory.’ Isaiah 60:19
Father God, we thank you for all the good things that flow from your hand into our lives. Lord, we thank you that you are the light of our lives. Help us to project your light to the world, Lord, and be glorified.
In these times, I pray that we would all seek to be refilled with the peace, hope, and joy that can only come from the Father. And I pray that we would spend time with Him — and in His word — which is a light unto our path. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105. I also pray that we would be an incredibly bright light to those who have no access to the light of Christ, that they too might come to know Him. Be bold and let your light so shine before men (Matthew 5:14).
Let’s be their light in the darkness.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I pray that you would go to our Life Preserver page (https://forgiven-n-loved.com/life-preserver/) and pray the prayer that is outlined there. God does not want you in the darkness. Please pray that prayer and experience the relationship with the light of the and the forgiveness, joy, peace, and hope that He offers.
Once you have prayed that prayer, please reach out to me at admin@Forgiven-N-Loved.com, and let me know. I would love to be in prayer for you.
Luv Ya!
