The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5
The title for this post occurred to me back in December (the very end) and I put it on my list to write about this month. . . Anyway, when I pondered this title, I was not sure what to expect or how to even research. Then, life hit me and it fell by the wayside.
To be fair, I got struck by the flu and felt covered by darkness and disease. So, life has been overcome by rest and just trying to breathe. But, GOD is bigger than any virus.
For me, darkness hits twofold, both depression and this world of chaos and corruption. I stare at the brokenness of this world and being joyful seems difficult and sometimes forced.
I think when I first thought about this post, I was thinking about overcoming depression, but as life unfolded, I realized there is a bigger battle at play.
Before our very eyes, wickedness lives. We see hatred, murder, raping of children, lies, corruption. . . Every possible sin that GOD forbids is playing out in front of us, day after day after day.
The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble.
Proverbs 4:19
I feel as though the wicked are stumbling over and trashing all the ways of the Most High. It seems as if they took the Ten Commandments as a challenge and wondered what would happen if they broke every one of them, and, just to jazz it up, are trying to see how many variants of breaking the law they can manage.
So, that leaves those of use who revere GOD and know and want His will for our lives wondering how we can be a light.
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.
Proverbs 4:18
Right before verse Proverbs 4:19, GOD tells us that our path is like the light of dawn. GOD gives us the path of light. He shows us how to navigate in this dark world. Also, He makes clear in John 1:5, the darkness will not (key word: NOT) overcome the light.
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness,
the LORD will be a light to me.
Micah 7:8
So, how do we know that darkness will be overcome? Simple: GOD said so. Did GOD not speak everything into existence? Did He not utter a word and the world form? Does He not command the sun and moon? Did He not stop the sun and moon so the Israelites could battle their enemies? Does GOD hold the hearts of leaders?
Do not think for an instant that GOD is not in control.
Believe me, GOD is always in control. He knew way back in the very beginning that we were sinful and would mess things up.
He gave us the power to choose. He is not a GOD that controls us. No. He wants us to choose Him. So, He provides us with laws and opportunities to choose Him daily.
When we choose Him, our paths become light. We become light. GOD created us to be Salt and Light. He wants us to shine with His love. He wants us to be His people and help others out of darkness.
He knew people are fallible, which is why He sent His Son, Jesus, to help us know how to walk in His will and to cover our sins.
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the LORD. Walk as children of light.
Ephesians 5:8
So, take this time to figure out how to walk in GOD’s will. Walk in wisdom, truth, and patience. Put on the armor of GOD. Show compassion, love, and generosity for those who are struggling. Always, shine with the love of GOD.
Darkness will be overcome. Always. Why?
GOD rules the world.
God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5
Heavenly Father,
Almighty King, You are master of everything.
You are light and love and so much more.
We will never comprehend all of who You are.
We love You.
Forgive us our arrogance and anger and sinful natures.
Help us to walk in Your will and with love and patience and grace. Help us to love others and forgive.
Guide us in truth and in the light of righteousnes. Help us to not stray from the path You have set for us.
We yield to Your will for our lives. We seek Your truth and Your guidance in all we do.
Help us to be the light in this dark world and shine so bright for You. Help us to stand strong and not give up. We long to be Your servants.
In the Holy Name of Jesus, our Messiah,
Amen.
Shalom.
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