Walking in the dark is difficult. Even the weakest flashlight makes it easier. Having a light directed at the path we’re trying to follow makes the way better.
That darkness can feel so heavy. Scary. Intimidating. Cloying. Destructive. It feels like it encircles us and slowly crushes our breath from our lungs.
The tiniest beam of light changes all that. In that light is hope. Life. Help. Restoration. Peace. It feels like escape from the angst of night.
God knew that the path before us would often go through darkness so deep that we could lose our way. He knew we would be scared, that we might lose heart.
In that knowing, He provided His Word. This collection of the things God said to His people, through prophets and writers, written down and saved throughout millennia, gives us guidance through the darkness that is better than a GPS.
The Word not only sheds light in the dark, it shines light ON the dark, giving us understanding and compassion for those living there. He provides a way for us to see the path we’re on, but to also notice those along the way who need Him and His Light.
We are light in the darkness, Believer. We have become that lamp. We shine on the path that God wants people to follow, namely, Jesus the Messiah.
Today’s challenge is two-pronged:
Let’s determine that we are going to USE the Lamp of scripture to show us the pathway we’re walking with the clear vision given through God’s Word.
Let’s strive to BE that light in the darkness that God can use to bring people to Himself.
Some extra thoughts…
I don’t know if you’ve ever been in a place where there is total darkness. Close to me is a cavern where tourists go and get to see this the amazing wonders that are there. Inside that cavern is a place they call the Great Room. It appears to just be tiny, but in reality, it’s as big as a football field. What they do inside that room is, they turn out the lights–you’re deep underground, the only light that is there is what is brought in by humans. They have everybody sit down and turn out the lights, and the darkness is complete. Complete. There is nothing of light in there. And even though they leave that light out for just a few brief seconds, you can feel this fright closing in. You can feel–a heaviness is the only way I know how to explain it. You can feel that coming in on you. And then they turn the lights back on and oh! It’s all marvelous again.
This is what God’s word is for us. When things seem so dark that we cannot catch our breath, and we turn to God’s word, we find light and life and peace and joy. This is what God does for us. This is why he gave his word to mankind throughout the years: So that when we are in those places of darkness, we don’t actually lose our way, if we will cling to his word, if we will continue to follow it.
Then Jesus said that we are the light of the world. Believers are the light of the world. We are the ones who shine and show others where the path is, where truth is. And that’s what we need to be about doing. Sometimes my stinking thinking doesn’t give a really great view of the path, you know. Sometimes my mouth runs away with me. And I’m sure that people think well, why would I want any part of her Christianity?
Ouch.
Thankfully, our God is kind and merciful and filled with grace. And he offers me a new day today to get rid of this stinking thinking, to get rid of the mouth, to let him control it instead of me, and hopefully to be the light that will draw people to him instead of driving them away.
Let’s fill this world, believers, with his light. Let’s use his word, not only for our own comfort and our own view, but for that of others. Let’s live, y’all. Let’s live and walk in the way that he created us for. And in so doing, bring more into the kingdom. That’s what he’s all about.
Coffee, Bible, Journal.
To view the video of this devotion and others, subscribe to my YouTube Channel.