darkness

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. ⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.  John 1:4-5

For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.  Psalm 36:9

When I was little my brother used to hide under my bed at night and make scary noises. He would reach out and grab any of my body parts that hung over the side. Needless to say, as an adult I am still terrified of the dark. And I never, ever allow my legs or arms to hang off the side of the bed. You would think that after 50 or so years I would have managed to overcome those fears.

But here I am. I never walk my dog after dusk or before dawn by myself. I check the locks on my doors a few times before I go to bed when my husband is out of town. I pray for the peace of God to descend on me so I can sleep. If I get up at night, I still have twinges that something might grab me from under the bed. Of course, some of my fears (not the one where a gremlin grabs my leg) are justified.

Let me just take a moment for a public service announcement – women should never walk alone in the dark, ever. We can’t change that fact no matter how much we’d like to, no matter how unfair it might seem. It’s the result of a fallen, sinful world.

But I digress — thankfully, many of our fears, which so often are about our worries for tomorrow, can be turned over to the Holy One who brings His light to our life. When Jesus shines His light over us, He pushes back against the dark thoughts that can overwhelm us. He overcomes all. Evil trembles at His name. He lavishes us with peace.

The beauty of His light? He wants us to share it for all the world to see. He reminds believers we are the light of the world. It’s our testimonies to our friends, family, neighbors and strangers that passes the light of peace to those in darkness.

Friend, we all have fears. Some silly like ankle grabbing gremlins. Some that may actually keep us safe. But some are because we try and control others or the future. Those can destroy our peace. Lift them up to the God of Light and ask the Holy Spirit to help you not take them back. And then shine the light of overcoming your fear out to others.

Click here to listen to today’s song: Tremble

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

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

My Christian journey has had long stretches of a lazy attitude toward God. I realized I was trying the straddle the line between darkness and light. The worlds of my will and His will. However, within the last 10 years, I’ve begun to grasp the amazing and wonderous facets of our Holy Creator.

I discovered God is the giver of love. He provides. He comforts. But best of all He is the giver of light. The light that guides us on this narrow and frequently challenging path Jesus laid out for us. He is the one to hold tightly to so we are blessed with every day and not-so-every day miracles.

He is a promise keeper since time began. We can trust Him when the Bible tells us He will keep watch over His sheep who know His name. I read recently that there are more than 2,000 promises of God in scripture. Conservatively, Jesus alone fulfilled at least 300 of those prophecies or promises made by God through the prophets. That is who He is.

I recall a day I heard this song playing on a random Christian playlist. I was sitting in my “She Shed” working on a Bible study. I stopped what I was doing and listened intently to the words. As tears of joy and gratefulness touched my cheek, I threw up my hands in worship. Singing loudly for all the heavens to hear, I wanted the Lord our God to know not only that I love Him but how much I appreciate all He has done and is doing in my life and yours.

Tag: darkness

Day 24 Tremble

Day 1 Way Maker