“And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.” John 1:5
Recently, I came home after an exhausting day of depositions and court, and I was too tired to do anything—even take a walk around the neighborhood. My mind needed rest. I needed the refreshing presence of God. I sat in the sun and listened to the wind blowing through the trees. God reminded me that this world and its struggles are temporary. Everything about this broken world is passing away:
“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:17
One day, the struggles will be gone forever. There will be no more night, no more need for sun or moon. The glory of God and the presence of the Lamb—Jesus Himself—will be the only light we need:
“The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light.” Revelation 21:23
Until that glorious day, we can live with an eternal perspective and “not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18) Angry people, crushing workloads, endless battles with the enemy—are all futile and exhausting without God’s presence.
But having God’s perspective changes everything when we’re walking in the deepest darkness!
Sitting there in God’s sunshine, I asked Him to fill me with His presence. He reminded me of the promise of His Son:
“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
Ah, how being a born again believer changes everything! Although my mind and body are at the absolute tipping point, I am at peace—grateful for my salvation and knowing I am free to rest in Christ. How humbling it is that God has such patience with me. He has never given up on me despite my failures. Indeed, it is God Himself who gave me the desire to know Him more intimately. His presence is my steadfast joy.
My friend, if you have yet to experience the rich presence of God and the extraordinary moments when He dispels the darkness with His light, know this: God desires you. The breakdown in the relationship is not God’s. Loving Him (or anyone) is not merely an emotion; it is a daily choice. When I love Him, I love His Word, and it is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) When we love His Word, it finds a place in our hearts and protects us from the sin that causes the chaos in our lifes:
“Thy word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
God also gives us many other tools for keeping the darkness from oppressing us. He gives us His mind and His attitudes. He gives us the local church so we can surround ourselves with believers who encourage, correct, and spur us on to love and good works. He gives us opportunities to invest our time and resources into eternal treasures (souls) through sharing the Gospel and engaging in discipleship!
The nearer we stand to God, the more we see His light breaking through the darkness—in our hearts, our homes, our workplaces, and our neighborhoods. As I sit here on my back deck, too exhausted to go anywhere or do anything except allow God to charge my spiritual batteries, He fills me with His strength. He inspires me to write. He engages my heart in intercessory prayer.
God’s light is the life of my soul.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You that Your light always breaks the darkness. Help me to discipline my heart and habits to obey you in love. Draw me close through prayer, Your Word, and fellowship with Your people. Give me an eternal perspective so I live for what lasts. Use my time, my resources, and my words to make disciples and shine Your Gospel light. I trust You to pierce every shadow in my life. In the Name of Jesus, the Light of the world, Amen.
