I used to be incredibly afraid of the dark. So much so, that for years as a child I would need to have the lamp on all night while I slept and if anyone turned it off, I would become frighteningly scared of what I couldnot see.
When I was about seven or eight years old, I prayed about this debilitating fear that I’d had and God,in His great kindness and love,answered me through a verse in the Bible:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John chapter 8 verse 12)
Suddenly, a light turned on for me! (excuse the pun—I couldn’t help it) I ran to my mum and proudly proclaimed, “Mum! I’m not afraid of the dark anymore.”
She was very surprised, as this had been something that I had battled with every night for years. I explained that I’d read the verse in the Bible, and it dawned on me that if Jesus is the light of the world, and He lives in me—then I have the light with me all the time!He is the light in my room.
It was an epiphany, and my parents were amazed at how God had spoken to my heart so strongly with this understanding. It was an immediate fix, and I never needed to leave the lamp on at night again.
Increasing darkness
The world that we live in today looks very dark. There are wars and rumours of wars. There are corrupt governments oppressing their own people. People are being segregated, punished for not complying with things that go against their conscience, punished for not towing the line.
Our Australian people are losing jobs, being shut out, and treated like second class citizens where once they were respected in their professions. Parents have been unable to go onto school premises where once they were welcomed.
Division exists where a year ago it wasn’t thought of. Many of our citizensare also suffering with detrimental side-effects from experimental drugs where we are now seeing that one size doesn’t fit all.
In my travels, I have had the privilege to talk to many people and the same concern is being voiced over and over again,“Where is this all going to end?”
One thing we know is if it keeps travelling along this trajectory, things will end very badly, and according to book of Revelation, ultimately it will for many—but not yet. While the light is still in the world, there is hope. While the world may look dark, God reminds us that He has not yet removed the light. Infact, the light is growing!
“As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John chapter 9 verse 4)
For those of us who are in Christ, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within us—the promised helper. If God is within us in the form of the Holy Spirit, then we carry the light and are the light of the world.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew chapter 5 verses 14-16)
Don’t be afraid
We do not need to be afraid of what we cannot see in the dark, for God can see it, knows it all, and is illuminating what is in the darkness for all to see. Though the information that we are learning now of what has been happening under the surface can feel heavy, it is the revealing that must take place to bring into account what has been wrong. What we are seeing is the ‘great revealing’ or ‘revelation’. Jesus says in Matthew chapter 10 verse 26:
“So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”
It is certainly comforting to know that nothing is hidden from the sight of our Heavenly Father and that He is bringing all things into conformity under Him.
God loves light because He is light. When He created the world, the first thing He said was, “Let there be light!” (Genesis chapter 1 verse 3).So as the song says, let us live in the light as He is in the light. Let us shine like the stars in the heavens.
Therefore, take courage and remember that He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. Let your light shine so that others may see your good deeds.
‘… The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matthew chapter 4 verses 15-17)