1 John 1:5 – This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
There is a social media posting circulating credited to Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, among other things. It reads, “At times God puts us through the discipline of darkness to teach us to need Him. Songbirds are taught to sing in the dark, and we are put into the shadow of God’s hand until we learn to hear Him. … Watch where God puts you into darkness, and when you are there, keep your mouth shut. Are you in the dark just now in your circumstances, or in your life with God? Then remain quiet…. When you are in the dark, listen, and God will give you a very precious message for someone else when you get into the light.”
It is difficult to walk about in darkness, and if, as the quotation says, you find yourself there, consider whether it is for your growth, your need to rely on God to illuminate your life and your path. Psalm 139:11-12 says, “If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.” Then be reminded of what Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Later he said, “Let your light shine before others,” because you are the light of the world. So, start shining!
Pray With Us
Blessed Jesus, my Savior, I confess to you today that I get preoccupied with the darkness that surrounds us in the time of stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and other regulations that cramp my freedoms during this time of the virus pandemic. Let Your blessed light overwhelm me today. Remove my fears of what I cannot see and do not know, for You know and see everything. I pray for this nation of America today, for darkness seems to be everywhere. Help me be light as Paul said I should be in Philippians 2:15, and shine as a light in the world. I long to reflect You in my life, Lord Jesus.
Amen.
