Day 11: Walking In The Light

“(Jesus said) ‘I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” -John 8:12

Picking up from yesterday’s devotional on Finding Hope , I wonder how often we find ourselves in dark places.  I don’t mean some dark alley in an unknown part of town, I mean in those dark moods, in those dark times where all hope does seem lost, whether because of health, family, friends, work etc… Dark times do come.

I remember one time awakening in the middle of night and all of our power was out.  It was pitch dark, and it just so happened to be September 12th, 2001.  As you can recall the horrific events that took place on September 11th.  In our little town, cars were lined up at the pumps because they were afraid something far greater was going to happen.  Those first few days, weeks, months were very dark times.  Many were looking for answers and fear was at the forefront of everyone’s minds…anyway, I digress.  So I awaken in the middle of the night without power, right after this awful, dreadfully dark day.  I stumble around trying to find a flashlight.  I remember tripping over things and eventually stumbling down the stairs in the dark.  Finally, I made my way out to the car in the driveway and flick on the lights.  (I too was afraid something on a national level had happened, which lead to this blackout)  Finally, when I had turned on the lights, orientated myself  I realized that it was only a brief blackout in our neighborhood.  Those moments spent in the dark, were somewhat terrifying to me post Sept 11th.

For a brief moment, I had been living in fear and I was truly in the dark.

I wonder how many Christians still today,  are living in the dark because of fears and uncertainties?  We cannot control the world around us.  It is often turbulent and even violent.  Dangers seem to lurk around the corner, or so we think.  Could it be that a little portion of us needs to take control and we, perhaps do not fully trust God to come to our aid?  I’m not saying that we simply don’t protect our families or neighbors from dangers – of course do that!  But I am wondering if we have our doubts that linger in the back of our minds if God will really be there for us through thick and thin…even in the dark?

Rest assured, Our Heavenly is the Light that we desperately need, and by which ALL THINGS are judged and seen.  God knows what you are going through in your life right now.  He will not leave you are abandon you! We can live in the light no matter what the world around us throws in our direction.  Stand firm and be encouraged today!  God’s got this!

Prayer: Lord, help me with my fears.  We live in a dangerous world.  I want to live for you even if the world around me seems dark.  Cast your light into my life today.  Help me to shine for you in all that I do and say!  In Your name I pray these things.  -Amen.