Light In A Dark World

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Matthew 5:4 (KJV) 

  

I have flashlights all around the house. And I have several electric lanterns on hand, because we occasionally have power outages and I don’t like to be left in the dark. 

  

The images of light and dark are used throughout the Bible. Jesus tells us we are the light of the world, that we should let our lights shine in this dark world. Light stands for the good, while darkness is associated with sin, and even punishment. 

  

Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. Jude 13 (KJV) 

  

I remember years ago we went to see an underground cavern. Our guide turned off the lights to show us what complete darkness felt like. My first reaction was fear and anxiety as I imagined being left in that condition in such an isolated place. It would be impossible to find our way out or escape such a situation. 

  

Thank God we are not left in the dark. We have the bright light of Jesus’ words to guide us. We have the power of God’s Holy Spirit to shine within us and lead and teach us how to be Christians. We also have the very angels of God, beings of light, to protect us on the dark paths of life. 

  

There are many types of darkness just as there are many types of light. There is physical darkness, mental and emotional darkness, and the kind of darkness that leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless as we cannot see a way forward beyond our circumstances. Yet for those who are children of God, there is always a way, always a light of hope to bring us out of the dark and into the presence of our Lord Jesus. 

  

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the light You brought into our lives. Without You we would be stumbling around in the dark, but thanks to You we can find our way through this dark world. Amen.