When is the light important to us? If we are scared and standing in the dark, if we are trying to find something in the night, if we are stumbling and can't find our way, and for some of us we need to see a light at the end of the tunnel. John 8:12 tells us “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Jesus wants to be the Light of our lives. Matthew 5:14-16 "He wants to take away the darkness."
There are things in our lives that make us scared. Jesus can calm your fear. He is the great comforter. He desires you to keep your eyes on Him and not the things that are scaring you. Psalm 18:28 "You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." Psalm 89:15 "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, LORD. " Do not be afraid for He promises to never leave you or forsake you. Daniel 2:22 "He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him."
Sometimes we need the light because we are searching, trying to find something. Many people are searching for things: happiness, contentment, meaning in life, etc. There is no greater joy than uncovering a relationship with a loving Savior. Jesus tells us in John 10:10 "The thief (meaning Satan) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Psalm 119:76 "May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant." The well-known Psalm of David from chapter 23, "The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. "
Some of us seek light because we can't see what is ahead. What will happen tomorrow? Will my finances get better? Will my marriage get better? Will my children make better choices? There are so many questions and so much uncertainty. Isaiah 46:16 "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them." The scriptures remind us we aren't walking in darkness unable to see, for we have a loving God who directs the paths of our feet. He will guide us along these unfamiliar paths. He knows the way we should go. If we don't choose to take Him with us though, we will stumble and make bad choices. Envision walking through a tunnel in complete darkness and trying to find your way out. If it is dark, you can't see if a door is open or closed or if there even is a door. Life is like that too. If you draw from the almighty light of Christ when you walk down the pathways of life, He will show you which doors should be closed and He will close them and which doors should be opened and He will open them. I can remember when one of my sons was so excited about a particular job and thought it was his dream job. I had concerns. I prayed God would close that door if it wasn't His will and if it was He would make it very clear. The following week, my son got an email from the company. As he scrolled down to the prior email (which someone didn't realize was still attached), the true color of the person he had interviewed with was seen - and he wasn't a very nice person. Immediately, for my son the door shut and I was thankful.
For some of us we are just looking for the light at the end of the tunnel. Trusting in God is the key here. We must remind ourselves of God's promises. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." One of my favorite verses, my grandmother gave this one to me at an early age. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 121:3 "He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber."
How do we draw from His light and find guidance and direction and build up our trust in Him? Psalm 119:105 "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." If you don't open God's word each day, you will not have the light turned on for that day...and you will stumble and struggle in a dark place. Psalm 119:30 tells us we can't just read God's word and see the Light, we also have to choose God's way and our hearts must live in the scriptures. "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I have set my heart on your laws." Through God's word and excercising daily decisions to live a life of righteousness we will begin to see more light. Psalm 97:11 "Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart." Psalm 4:6 "Let the light of your face shine on us." Proverbs 4:18 "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."
Poem: God's Light by Tom Quintana
A life of problems I felt bound
Often struggling I'd be found
I sought a peace to rest my mind
And leave these troubles far behind
My life I'll change today I vow
I'll live my life so I'll be proud
For though I'm down I am not through
And giving-ups too easy - I won't do
I'll live life right through heart's desire
And my old ways I will retire
It's easy targets Satan seeks
And no longer shall I be weak
To help me get through each day
I'll take more time for God and pray
As with this poem I'll send a prayer
And ask for me that He be there
That He forgive when I've done wrong
And He helps me to keep faith strong
I will do my best to be prepared
So when final breathes can not be spared
May each day I live I do what's right
By living life within God's light
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