Father, without You we are in complete and utter darkness.
Our world is dark. And this time of year there are literally more hours of darkness than light in the day. Without artificial light we would not be able to see to get around.
There is also a kind of emotional darkness that comes from worry, stress, anxiety and fear. This 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 softness 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 in our relationships. It allows us to see the reality of our true identity and our circumstances.
Your 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. The Light that brings comfort and security. That brings direction, clarity and confidence. That brings healing. 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