Daily Journal: 26 October

Light Over Darkness

When you are in darkness, it’s very easy to see a spark of light. When light is illuminated in darkness, it’s bright and can only be denied by intent.

Matthew 4:16 (NCV)

These people who live in darkness will see a great light. They live in a place covered with the shadows of death, but a light will shine on them.”

When you have been living in a soulful darkness, or in the shadows of death, light is of great value. You fix your eyes on it. You gravitate towards anything that shows itself as light. We have to be careful to distinguish light that will save, from light that is deceiving.

The anglerfish is a perfect example. It lures its prey with a bioluminescent light and then snaps them up with a huge mouth and great, sharp teeth. It lures its prey – it doesn’t chase anything. It waits for its prey to come to it.

This is how we are lured in darkness. We see something that looks attractive that we’re intrigued by or that seems to satisfy a craving or need. We draw closer to have a look. The light gets brighter. Our senses are heightened. We draw closer to the light and – snap. We’re consumed by what seemed at a safe distance only moments earlier.

But, there is a light over darkness that is safe.

Isaiah 8:19-20 (NCV)

Some people say, “Ask the mediums and fortune-tellers, who whisper and mutter, what to do.” But I tell you that people should ask their God for help. Why should people who are still alive ask something from the dead? You should follow the teachings and the agreement with the Lord. The mediums and fortune-tellers do not speak the word of the Lord, so their words are worth nothing.

When we seek the Lord even in darkness, we will find hidden treasures there that are of value. Often when we’re in the darkness, that is where we find those hidden treasures that will lead us to the eternal light that transforms and gives understanding.

Isaiah 9:1 (NIV)

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. 

When we look for truth, the bible says we will find it (Matthew 7:7).

That truth is light to our senses and health to our bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8 (NLV)

Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful. It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.

God’s light that penetrates darkness doesn’t come from a place of trickery or spin. It comes from the Maker of Light, who is completely good, who draws us into safety, not peril.

Psalm 121:2 (ESV)

My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

Psalm 146:5-8 (NCV)

Happy are those who are helped by the God of Jacob. Their hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it. He remains loyal forever. He does what is fair for those who have been wronged. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free. The Lord gives sight to the blind. The Lord lifts up people who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right.