Father, without You we are in complete and utter darkness.
Our world is dark. This time of year the nights are longer so there is more physical darkness to the day. Without artificial light we would not be able to see to get around in the dark.
There is also a kind of emotional darkness that comes from worry, stress, anxiety and fear. These can be due to a lack of direction or encouragement. Or a lack of truth in relationships. Or from hardships, difficulties and tragedies we endure.
And there is also a spiritual darkness that seems to pervade our world. At times it appears that evil is prospering. And it has an upper hand so many places where there is persecution, hatred, and violence.
Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for being the Light of the World. You are Light in our lives in so many different ways.
Three in particular come to mind.
Soft light.
You can be the soft light that allows us to feel relaxed, comfortable and safe; like the light from a campfire, or Christmas lights, or early morning just before the sun rises.
That kind of warmth or glow is gentle. And You can be gentle with us. You can wrap us in a radiance that calms us and brings a sense of peace no matter the circumstances.
In allowing You to envelope us in a blanket of soft light there is a sense of security.
Bright light.
Daylight allows us to see things as they are. We can see traps, holes, dangers. We can navigate safely. We can perceive more clearly. And the bright light that You provide also lets us see the truth in ourselves and our relationships. It allows us to see the reality of our true identity and our circumstances.
Your bright light provides us with direction and clarity. And that brings confidence.
Laser light.
Light can be so strong that it burns. Lasers can be weapons of destruction. Or they can be so focused that they can be treatments for cutting out dead or diseased tissue.
As such, Your laser light can seek out and target our worries, fears, bitterness. And can be a healing light burning out cancer and disease.
I praise You that You are Light. That there is no darkness in You.
And that by Your light I can walk and live and prosper as my soul is prospering in the salvation You brought to the world. Amen
We huddled together and moved forward cautiously. At first, I thought it would be best to shine the light up ahead of us so we could see where the path curved or stopped at a curb or was cut off by bushes. But it became clear that we could walk with the most certainty and speed when the light shone brightly on the very next step we were to take.
When I am not sure which option is best, Your Word tells me “Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not on Your own understanding.” So while it is wise to make a list of pros and cons and count the cost of decisions, the logic of the world is not the final answer. Trusting in You to lead me through prayer and Scripture helps me make my final choice.
