Light in the Darkness
I had the privilege of speaking to our Opendoor Kids Elementary this past weekend where we talked about how God is our Light and how God sent the plague of darkness on the Egyptian people to show His power and might. While the Egyptians lived in darkness for three days, God provided light for the Israelites.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Lift your hand toward heaven, and the land of Egypt will be covered with a darkness so thick you can feel it.” So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived.” - Exodus 10:21-23 NLT
It made me think about the state of the world we live in right now. We are all walking around physically in the light of electricity, the sun, moon, and stars, but how many around us are walking around in the dark spiritually? It can feel like darkness is overtaking the earth with all the hatred, violence, and just plain evil that seems to be around every corner. Jesus warned us about how the world would appear to fall deeper and deeper into darkness:
“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” - Matthew 24:6-7 NLT
But GOD is our Light in the middle of the darkness. Even when we feel surrounded, His Light shines in us to illuminate the darkness:
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” - Psalm 119:105 NLT
“The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” - John 1:4-5 NLT
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” - John 8:12 NLT
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” - 1 John 1:5 NLT
There are so many more scriptures that could be listed here. But how encouraging are these verses?
I love the beach and almost everything about it: the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, the sound of the breeze blowing off the ocean and through the dune grass, and the sound of seagulls flying around. The beach is quite relaxing for me. All along the coast, lighthouses were built in strategic locations to warn boats and watercraft of dangerous waters around their perimeter and provided a beacon of light to help navigate those waters.
As God’s people, we are to be like a lighthouse to those in darkness around us, warning of dangerous waters. You may feel like you are the only lighthouse at your school and job and with your family and friends. But remember, God is Light and where He is, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). The heavier the darkness, the brighter His light will shine through you.
““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
God is always with you; He will never leave you or forsake you (John 14:15-18). So when you feel surrounded by darkness, encourage yourself with these scriptures.
ACTIVATION: Which scripture stood out the most to you and why? It’s important to know God’s Word. Choose a Scripture verse to memorize this week, and when you feel darkness overwhelming you, repeat this verse not only in your mind, but out loud so your ears can hear what you are saying.
PRAYER: God, thank You for Your Light that illuminates the darkness. May Your light shine brightly in me to spill onto those around me. Help me stand strong when the darkness would try to overwhelm me. I stand on Your Word that, [SAY SCRIPTURE HERE]. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Lift your hand toward heaven, and the land of Egypt will be covered with a darkness so thick you can feel it.” So Moses lifted his hand to the sky, and a deep darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days. During all that time the people could not see each other, and no one moved. But there was light as usual where the people of Israel lived.” - Exodus 10:21-23 NLT
It made me think about the state of the world we live in right now. We are all walking around physically in the light of electricity, the sun, moon, and stars, but how many around us are walking around in the dark spiritually? It can feel like darkness is overtaking the earth with all the hatred, violence, and just plain evil that seems to be around every corner. Jesus warned us about how the world would appear to fall deeper and deeper into darkness:
“And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world.” - Matthew 24:6-7 NLT
But GOD is our Light in the middle of the darkness. Even when we feel surrounded, His Light shines in us to illuminate the darkness:
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” - Psalm 119:105 NLT
“The Word [Jesus] gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” - John 1:4-5 NLT
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”” - John 8:12 NLT
“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” - 1 John 1:5 NLT
There are so many more scriptures that could be listed here. But how encouraging are these verses?
I love the beach and almost everything about it: the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, the sound of the breeze blowing off the ocean and through the dune grass, and the sound of seagulls flying around. The beach is quite relaxing for me. All along the coast, lighthouses were built in strategic locations to warn boats and watercraft of dangerous waters around their perimeter and provided a beacon of light to help navigate those waters.
As God’s people, we are to be like a lighthouse to those in darkness around us, warning of dangerous waters. You may feel like you are the only lighthouse at your school and job and with your family and friends. But remember, God is Light and where He is, there is no darkness (1 John 1:5). The heavier the darkness, the brighter His light will shine through you.
““You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” - Matthew 5:14-16 NLT
God is always with you; He will never leave you or forsake you (John 14:15-18). So when you feel surrounded by darkness, encourage yourself with these scriptures.
ACTIVATION: Which scripture stood out the most to you and why? It’s important to know God’s Word. Choose a Scripture verse to memorize this week, and when you feel darkness overwhelming you, repeat this verse not only in your mind, but out loud so your ears can hear what you are saying.
PRAYER: God, thank You for Your Light that illuminates the darkness. May Your light shine brightly in me to spill onto those around me. Help me stand strong when the darkness would try to overwhelm me. I stand on Your Word that, [SAY SCRIPTURE HERE]. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen!
No Comments