Jesus is the light
Before I had children, I used to be extremely afraid of the dark; I would have to sleep with the lights on or with a nightlight. If my husband was home, it didn't bother me as much and I could sleep just fine without the lights. But during the first few years of our marriage, my husband worked 3rd shift and was gone almost every night. I was afraid of the dark because I couldn't see anything; I didn't know what was lurking in the shadows. With the lights on, I could see where everything was and that no one or nothing else was with me. Having the light on back then was very comforting. Now it is the exact opposite, and I can't sleep unless it's totally dark. I am no longer afraid of the dark, nor do I need to sleep with the lights on.
However, every night I get up at least once to use the bathroom. Without the light, my eyesight at night was pretty much worthless. I can't see where I am going and have to walk without guidance, finding my way to the light switch. Has it ever taken you a few tries to find the light switch in the dark? I go so often now that I don't need the light, but once in a while, I do step on some toys (my darling 3-year old leaves on the floor). Just the other night, I woke up and walked into the halfway opened door of our room! Usually it's completely opened or completely closed, but not that night. Luckily my forehead only slightly made contact with the door, and it wasn't too terrible. A few nights after this happened, I did use the light to make sure I wouldn't walk into the door. My point is that without the light, we cannot see where we are going. There is no doubt about that. As I think more about the light and the dark, I remember some Bible verses referenced this, and decided to look some up. I am only highlighting 7 of them, but there are a few more. I encourage you to look them up yourself! Let's explore the 7 below:
1 John 1:5 says This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.
John 8:12 delcares 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.”
Isaiah 9:2 tells us The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; a light has dawned on those living in the land of darkness.
Ecclesiastes 2:13-14 says I thought, “Wisdom is better than foolishness, just as light is better than darkness. For the wise can see where they are going, but fools walk in the dark.”
Psalm 119:105 declares “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.”
John 12:35 tells us Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.”
Ephesians 5:8-9 says “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true.”
These verses above make it very clear that God/Jesus is the light, as is the Bible, and it does not sound fun, in any way, living in darkness. Before I gave my life to Christ, I was in darkness. The day-t0-day routine I was living was exhausting, repetitive, and dull. I was angry, hurt, and bitter. I found no joy in my kids, or much of anything. My marriage was hanging by a thread, and I felt so much hatred towards him. I mean, I had a few good days, but most of the time I was miserable. When I finally turned to God, a speck of light (hope) shone into the darkness I was in. As I started to pray and read the Bible, God started answering those prayers, and His radiant light broke through the darkness unt
il there was none left. Think about what happens to a room when you open the blinds in the morning, that's the only way I can describe God's light. God's light transcends all darkness. So when we are in darkness, we don't have to stay there. We can turn to God. I believe that at one point or another, we have all experienced darkness. Darkness can represent anything. It can be hopelessness, a dead end job, depression, addiction, negativity, an unhappy marriage...anything that steals your joy and peace. It could be the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a relationship, or the loss of your self-esteem. Some of us may be in darkness right now as I type this. My hope is for you to see the light, to have hope and to find meaning in your life. Turn to Jesus. When we are in darkness, we are lost. We cannot see where we are going. We are blind, vulnerable, and hopeless. But Jesus is the light that can cut through darkness. It is not God's will that we stay in darkness, believe me. In darkness there is uncertainty, fear, and no hope. If you are lost, hopeless, or looking for a way out, call on Jesus because he is the truth, the life, and the way (John 14:6). It is also critical that we read, listen to, and study the Word of God (Bible) because it is how God speaks to us. God's Word is truth, and it will show us what to do and where to go. When you read the Bible, ask God to give you understanding of the Bible verses and what they mean. We no longer have to live in darkness, or with fear and uncertainty. We don't have to be blinded, not knowing where we are going; Jesus is the light and he will lead the way.
Let us pray.
Father God,
You are amazing, powerful and glorious! I give you praise. Lord, I also thank you for Jesus, our light, and the Bible, the light onto our path. Thank you for this message and for all those reading. Many of us has experienced darkness, and some of us may be in darkness right now. Help us Father and shine Your light upon us. Your Word says that if we follow Jesus, we will never walk in darkness. It also says that Jesus came into the world as a light, so that those who believe in him would not stay in darkness. Lead us out of the darkness Lord so that we can experience hope, freedom, peace, comfort, and joy. Some of us may be fearful to let Your light in, because the darkness has been all we've known, but Lord, the darkness cripples us and all that You have for us. As the readers invite the light (Jesus) into their lives, guide them and protect them. Life is so much better when we can see where we are going. Help the readers in whatever situation they are in and in everything they are going through. I thank You Lord and give you praise. In Jesus' name, amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
