The world we live in is becoming darker and darker each day. It can be discouraging for those of us who are walking in the light of the Lord. We see depravity being lifted up as desirable, and it seems those who are in Christ have such a small voice in our day.
You cannot show people in darkness the truth by your arguments but by your light. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NKJV).
Timid soul, the world may be getting darker, but your light should be seen brighter every day. You don’t have to argue with the darkness but only be the light. Darkness can never extinguish the light, but light will someday remove all darkness.
There is no darkness so deep that the light of Christ cannot shine through it. Never lose hope. “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12 NKJV).
Discouraged soul, never think we are losing the battle but know that the real fight is just getting started. The only weapon that you need to overcome darkness is the light of the Lord that shines brightly within you. It only takes a spark, and the darkness will retreat.
Darkness has no defense against light. The biggest darkness falls helpless before the smallest light. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6 NKJV).
Saddened soul, you see so many who are in the darkness, especially those whom you love dearly. It hurts you to see them wrapped up in what is evil and deceiving. Be the light and know that God can reach them. There is nobody on earth who can defend themselves against your prayers.
Light always shines forth. If Christ is in you, then Christ is through you. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8 NKJV).
Disheartened soul, you cannot understand how the world can be so deceived by the depravity of man and all the attacks against women and children and the family unit in our day. They cannot see in the dark, so only pray that your light might get through to even one.
Yield your life that it would be a lamp from which God could shine His light onto a darkened world. “In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of people who are crooked and stubborn. Shine out among them like beacon lights, holding out to them the Word of Life…” (Philippians 2:14-16 TLB).
Fearful soul, you see the world spiraling downward and think there is no way that goodness can prevail. Oh, precious child of God, the world we are in is not how the story will end. We may lose a battle or two and be injured along the way, but in the end, God wins.
When you are standing in the light, darkness cannot come near you. “But if we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin” (1 John 1:7 TLB).
Overwhelmed soul, you don’t know what you can even do in the face of such a horrible progression of evil and darkness in every crevice of our world. All you have to do is shine brightly. It will be the light in God’s children that will illuminate His glory in a darkened world.
The world cannot see in the darkness, so be a light. “You are the light of [Christ to] the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good deeds and moral excellence, and [recognize and honor and] glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16 AMP).
When the night is the darkest, we can see all the stars of heaven the brightest. So it will be in this world we live in that as it becomes darker and darker, the lights of a multitude of Christians will shine brighter like the stars in the heavens above.
The darker it becomes, the brighter your light will shine. “The people who walk in darkness will see a bright light. The light will shine on those who live in the land of death’s shadow” (Isaiah 9:2 GW).
Be the light in your household. Be the light at your workplace. Be the light in your neighborhood. Be the light on social media. Be the light when you go out into public. Be the light that other people can see the goodness of the Lord Jesus living in you. Shine brightly, soul, forevermore.
No matter how dark it becomes, just be the light. “Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, and that is true. Determine which things please the Lord. Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret. Light exposes the true character of everything because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says: ‘Wake up, sleeper! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you’” (Ephesians 5:8-14 GW).
Blessings to you always,
Paul Balius
AMEN