Do you find yourself NEEDING to turn on every light when you go into a room
when it is gloomy outside? Or have you been getting very down from all the
darkness in the world around you? These are two different kinds of darkness, but
both can influence us. Winter is a tough time on many of us because of the cold,
overcast days, and the lack of green leaves and flowers. Many of us have high
electric bills in the winter due to Seasonal Affective Disorder.
When we hear the news of the violence, pandemic, ecological disasters, and other
heartaches, it is hard not to feel a bit despairing. When will this pandemic go
away? When will the hatred and hostility stop? How do I have joy and peace in all
this? The despair over dark times is a condition that people are feeling all over the
world, but it also is an experience that mankind has felt throughout history. Living
in a fallen world while we struggle with our own sin nature and wrestle daily with
the lies of the enemy is an emotionally exhausting occurrence. Thus, the question
is: Can light be found amid all this darkness?
According to God’s Word, the answer is a resounding YES! “Jesus 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). He is not ignoring the fact that the sinfulness of man
and the fallenness of our world brings pain and suffering ̶ even to us. But Jesus
came to preach good news, set us free from bondage, heal the sick, and proclaim
the gift of salvation and eternal life. He experienced great suffering, yet He found
joy as He was continually filled with the Holy Spirit, remained in fellowship with
the Father, and ministered to the people around Him.
Each time you turn on a light this week, say to yourself “God is light, in Him there
is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). You may find that your room will look even
brighter. Acknowledge that God and you can bring light into the darkness around
you. “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and
praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
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