Gotta Have the Light

by Kathy Lay

This Week’s Verse: John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”(NLT)

Devotion:
Several weeks ago I’d noticed it wasn’t as hard to wake up when my alarm clock went off. It was no longer pitch black outside at 5:45! As the days passed, my wake up time grew even brighter and I found it increasingly easier to be up and at ‘em.

And then--due to daylight savings time--it ended abruptly. So now we’re back to pitch black awakenings, replete with groggy notions of calling in sick or half-asleep fantasies of being my own boss from home. I guess you could say I’m one of those people who needs the light function properly.

It’s been documented that the Vitamin D we get from the sun helps boost levels of melatonin and serotonin, hormones that help regulate sleep and contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness. Literally then, wallowing around a little in the light and letting it wash over us is good for us mentally, physically, and I’d even argue spiritually.

From a scriptural standpoint, to be in the light is living a righteous life in relationship with the Lord. Spending time in the Son is a spiritual boost of vitamin D and our spirit is lifted as it interacts with His. Oh yeah, life is good in the light.

And then, Bam! Who turned off the light switch? We’re blindsided as the enemy somehow gains a stronghold and we find ourselves in darkness.

When we’ve been warmed by the Light and then are suddenly thrown into cold darkness, it can send us reeling. We might despair. Be depressed. Shrivel and wilt like a plant that has given up searching for the brightness of day.

But, Praise God, darkness is always followed by light. For God's people, there’s not a single dark spell recorded in scripture that’s not followed by light. In fact, for the faithful, the end of the story includes basking in the brightest, purest Light for all eternity.

Whatever dark corner you’re in right now, rest assured—your Light is making His way toward you. Pray with the same hope of the Psalmist as he says, “but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you” (Psalm 139:12, NLT).

Father, even as many of us are experiencing darkness in these uncertain times, pour out Your peace as we trust that You even use darkness for good. Dark is light to You. Sustain us until we once again humbly rejoice in Your light, giving You the Glory.

Application:
If you’re stumbling around in the dark, consider the little points of light that may be piercing through the black. What can you be grateful for even in times of trial? Spend some quiet time Son-bathing.

Power Verses:
Genesis 1:3-5, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light ‘day’ and the darkness ‘night.’ And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day.” (NLT)
Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” (NLT)
Psalm 97:11,”Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart.” (NIV)