I find myself purchasing flashlights about every six months due to the need of each grandchild to have his or her own whenever they spend the night. I have tried placing a night light in their room and in the hallway, as well as leaving the bathroom light on, but for some reason they feel better if they can go to sleep with their flashlight on. I guess the intense darkness of an unfamiliar room and the uncertainty of our neighborhood is a little scary to them. The light of the flashlight brings peace, security, and assurance in the midst of the dark!
Most of us don’t like the dark. We feel uncertain and insecure when we can’t see where we are going or what is ahead of us. We would never choose to maneuver through a densely dark house. When the electricity goes out we immediately head for the matches and candles, the flashlights and camping lanterns. Our spirit is very unsettled until there is light once again.
A few years ago, Mark and I took a trip to Asheville, North Carolina. While we were there we went on an afternoon drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. What a magnificent road. Along the way we encountered several long tunnels. Although the incredible depth of rock that had been cut in order to make a way through the mountains was quite magnificent to see, the tunnels caused me to become somewhat anxious as we entered the darkness that lie ahead. Just a mile or so before entering each tunnel a sign was posted stating that you were to turn on your head lights before entering. I was grateful for the light as we made our way through the darkness of each mountainous rock. I was imagining what would happen if each car entered the tunnel without lights. It would be very stressful, not to mention dangerous. Without headlights you would not be able to see where you were going, what side of the tunnel you were traveling on, who was coming towards you or who was ahead of you. The lights in the midst of the dark tunnel brought a sense of peace, security and assurance. But even with the lights on, I found myself watching intently for the light at the end of the tunnel, feeling much more at ease once we exited into the light of day.
John 1:1-9 says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.”
When God, through the leading of Moses, freed His children from Pharaoh’s grip, he led them by a pillar of fire at night. They were to not fear the darkness but follow the light. The night Jesus was born the angels directed the shepherds to follow the light. They had no reason to fear traveling at night because God provided a light to show them the way. John witnessed to that Light in his day and time that many might come to the Light. The One given us as a Light in this dark world in which we live is Jesus. He is our flashlight, our source of security, peace and assurance in the midst of darkness.
I’ve had times of darkness that have caused me to be gripped by fear and at those times God has sweetly reminded me that He is my Light, the One who will show me the way, my true source of peace, security and assurance. He is the Light of the world. Whenever I enter a dark time, not knowing what is ahead and I am tempted to fear, I look to the Light to show me the way. I am grateful for the Light that God sent to light my way! We must give witness to the Light that others may come out of the darkness into the Light of day!
Father, thank you for sending the Light to dispel the darkness of this world, Jesus. Thank you for sending your Son to light our way and the way of many who seek an exit from the darkness that surrounds them. Your Light is the only true source of peace, security and assurance in our lives. Oh, that we would tell others of the Light that they might be set free from the bondage of darkness and fear.
“And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.” Exodus 13:21
“God is the Lord and He has given us light…” Psalm 118:27a
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
“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
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” Ephesians 5:8