The darkness in our world seems to be getting darker. There is an abundance of bad news. Natural disasters, ungodly government leadership, our collapsing economy, an outpouring of violence and a surge of immorality all contribute to the growing reality of darkness.
Many people are discouraged and depressed. Marriages and families are struggling to stay together. Parenting is harder because of the world’s distractions. Children are challenged with bullying and peer pressure like never before.
Instead of honesty and purity we live in a time of deception and lies. The right seems wrong and the wrong appears right. Our generation is confused, floundering without the truth.
The Bible clearly speaks about the struggle between darkness and light. This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5
Because God is light we can have hope. God promises that He will bring light into our desperate situations.
• You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.2 Samuel 22:29
• Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Psalm 97:11
• The unfolding of your words gives light it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130
• In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. John 1:4-5
God’s desire is for me to be filled with Him and to walk in His light; however, the enemy, the Devil, wants me to walk in darkness. There is a constant conflict and battle between the light and darkness both in the world around me and in my soul.
God’s plan and purpose for me here on this earth is to honor and glorify Him. If my motivation is to put God first and follow Him, then I can stand on His promises that He will bring light into my darkness. I can trust Him. I can believe it. I can turn from the darkness and resist the devil and he will run from me. I can expect God’s light to win the battle over the world, my flesh and the devil.
Jesus came into the world to shine His light into the darkness. He has me here in this world to give my heart, mind, will and emotions to Him. He wants to use me as His tool, as His instrument of light and as His witness in the darkness.
Exciting news! I am to serve the Lord where I am letting His light shine out of my whole being. God wants to touch lives through me. If I give my life fully to Him, His light will shine to others. God will use me to overcome the darkness.
Promise: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Partnering with God: Wow! The darkness is everywhere and it seems as though it will win in this world. But, God, You are Light. Your plan for me is to be Your instrument of righteousness and light wherever I go. Amazing! If I give myself to You, Lord, You will let Your light shine in me to touch lives. Make that my priority and mission. Help me to let Jesus shine out of my life today.
Let me know your thoughts!
Partnering with God,
Elaine
Hi Elaine – I will print this out and read it …it is hard for me to read off the computer. Have a blessed day.
Dear Rebecca, I trust that the Lord will bless you and encourage you as you walk in His light. When you have days of darkness and doubt, remember to trust Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith. Have a blessed day in Jesus.
Elaine. Thankyou for this well-thought out article. I am certain much prayer went into it too. What I relate to is your honesty that at times you have conflict within your soul. That is refreshing especially when you think you are the only one who is battle-scarred. Sometimes I have to look and ask the Lord for the ancient paths..the path when I was walking closely w the Lord. Thankyou for your encouragement and willingness to serve the Lord no matter your trials! I enjoyed this article immensely.
Dear Louann,It is so true that we all struggle with conflict in our souls. I love your well-chosen words, battle-scarred. When we fight our battles in the Lord, we are driven and tossed about, suffering and growing as we fight the good fight of faith. May the Lord richly bless you as you seek to walk in Jesus’ light. Blessings. Elaine