This past year has put many of us in moments and times of darkness. The world seemed out of control. Our tomorrow was uncertain and our today seemed so fragile. For many, there was darkness that came over emotions, thoughts and even relationships. What is it about the dark that is so difficult and troubling? For starters, most of us are highly dependent upon sight. If we cannot see it, we are in trouble. Having light around us gives us a sense of knowing and confidence in our ability to control our lives and world. But darkness creates unknowing … and unknowing creates darkness.
I led a marriage retreat one year where we blindfolded a spouse while the other lead them by the hand anywhere, they want to take them. The one blindfolded was totally in the dark having to completely trust their spouse. It was an exercise for many, filled with anxiety and frustration, not to mean anger and fear. When we can see, or at least think we can see … John wrote in Revelation 3:17, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” It is difficult when we first realize that we are actually in the dark. The world is in the dark; it is blind when it comes to God’s great love and then there comes a light into our darkness and that light is a person … Jesus Christ.
John writes, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4–5 Jesus was life and light. He even says of Himself, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12. The truth is that darkness is a place of light when Christ is in your life. Suddenly, we are no longer afraid of the dark or what we cannot see or even know because the light of His life shines in our darkness because as it says, “… God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Just for fun … close your eyes, put a blindfold on and have someone lead you around for an hour. Think about what it means to have faith and trust in the light of the world. To know that we walk by faith and not by sight. What was that experience like? I would love for you to comment below and let me know.
Grace and Peace in The Fellowship of Light of His Life
– Pastor Jerry