Light in the Darkness

Only days ago I awoke in darkness. I wasn’t afraid, it surrounded me like a comfort. The darkness allowed me time to focus my vision, let my mind wake slowly, and still notice the quiet sounds that the darkness holds. Again I was not afraid.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” - John 1:5

There is nothing to fear about the natural darkness of the world. It was created by God to give us rest, for the plants and animals of the world to find refuge and be renewed for the days to come. The fear of darkness is found in the darkness created by sin. That darkness blots out the light, brings evil to man, and corrupts our goodness.

Our strength is in Jesus. He is the light that shines on our path. He is that beam of hope and light in this darkness of sin. That darkness cannot overcome His light.

“The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid?” - Psalm 27:1

God’s word repeatedly reminds us that the light is stronger than the darkness. The darkness may suffocate, and blind you. The darkness may seem lonely and overwhelming, but the truth of Jesus Christ is that every morning the sun comes up, it warms the world, and fills in all of the shadows. The darkness can and will be overcome. It does not last. It is not strong enough. Jesus is our night light. His light never ceases to shine. His light is brighter than any light, it’s warmth is greater than that of the sun itself. His light is more powerful than any evil created in the dark.

I turn my face to the light and feel the warmth on my skin. It starts on the outside and soon my entire being is filled with that warming glow. It is this warmth, glow, and strength of light that I want others to know.

From that light we can go in the world and be the light for others. We can be the hands and feet of Christ, sharing his hope, and filling others with light that may be consumed by darkness.

God’s word is a beacon, a light house in the fog. When life is trying to drown you in busy schedules, fear, loneliness, shame, guilt, hopelessness - God’s word is steady, strong, powerful, and true. It shines. It cannot go out. His words can bring comfort in all situations, in all hardships, and remind us of the hope we have in Jesus.

Jesus’ light leads us straight to Heaven, a path that is paved in gold. A path that is not filled in by weeds, or covered in shadows. His path is straight, clear and well lit. It is up to us to seek it, to stay on it and follow that light. The reward is waiting for us seated at the right hand of the Father. An eternal life with our creator bathed in His light and love. What greater hope can we have?

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’.” -John 8:12

I can feel comfort sitting in the darkness because I know with certainty the light of the Lord. I know he is there even in the darkness. Seek his word, know his light, feel his warmth, and you will know the power of the hope in Jesus Christ, as he overcomes all darkness of the world. That is his great love for us!
In this natural season of darkness, these winter months with little natural light, rest assured that His light shines on for all eternity.