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Out of the Darkness

Photo by Casey Horner
Every morning on our way to school, the girls and I take advantage of the time to pray. Our morning prayers differ somewhat from bedtime prayers in that we are preparing for the day ahead of us. Scripture tells us our steps are ordered by God. So, I like to start each day with our hearts and minds open to His instruction so we may hear Him as He gently guides us throughout the day. The long days are not as daunting when you know God is with you every step of the way and that his favor and protection go with you wherever you go. Lately, the resounding phrase "to be a light shining in the darkness" has taken up residence in my mind and has stirred my heart so much so that we are sure to pray that over our lives before ending our prayers.

On the way to school this morning, I was reminded of the very first words of the Bible in Genesis 1:1-4. I learned to recite these verses in the King James version when I was a young child. The passage reads:
"In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light': and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: And God divided the light from the darkness."
As I reflected on these words, I saw a giant, dark blob, for lack of a better word. A shapeless mass of gunk with a little light shining behind it showing the extent of the ugliness, darkness, and lifelessness. This "blob" represents those who wander aimlessly through this life without relationship with Jesus. You see, when we come to know the Lord with intimacy, our lives begin to take shape. The darkness is dispelled, and we have true substance and depth. We grow massive roots in fertile soil and spring up as strong oaks not easily swayed by the cares of this life. When Christ shines a light in those dark, hidden places of our souls, healing comes, growth takes place, restoration begins, and life comes forth.

After getting the kids to school, I sat in my favorite seat on my sun porch and opened my Bible to where I left off the day before. Imagine my surprise when my eyes fell to Ephesians 5:8-14:
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord...everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said, "Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."
Often in living for the Lord, we find ourselves going against the grain. We cannot always do what our friends do no matter how "harmless" it seems. We are set apart; we are a peculiar people according to the Scripture. I am not referring to cult living or having to dress a certain way to prove we are not like the world. However, we cannot always do what is popular in the secular world and stand for true holiness. "How can light live with darkness?" 2 Corinthians 6:14. For we live in the Light and where there is Light, there is no room for fellowship with darkness, not even a little bit.

And so it is with the music we listen to, the television shows we watch, the words we use to express ourselves...even when we are angry, or sad, or disappointed. If our actions even in difficulties and hardship portray Christ, then we are a light shining in the darkness. If, however, you cannot see the Light in us because we are trying to fit in and not stand out, then in all actuality, our actions are a betrayal of Christ. I want my life to be a living praise unto Him who loves me so very much and who sacrificed Himself that I might live!

So, I encourage you to come on out of the darkness and step into His marvelous light! Be a light in this very dark world. I promise you will find life, love, freedom, and joy unspeakable like you have never known!

Isaiah 50:10, "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys His servant? If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the Lord and rely on your God."
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