Shining Your Light in a Dark World

These are dark and difficult days in the world. We’re living through historic events, some of which I believe are not what they seem. But whatever is unfolding, these are times that deeply trouble and unnerve men, women, and children. These are confusing times that don’t make sense, at least on the surface.

The only people who have the truthful answers to these fears are those who belong to Christ and are guided by the Holy Spirit. There are no ultimate answers beyond the Light that Christ offers. We are given that light to share with others.

Luke 11:33-36

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.

Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is full of darkness. Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness. So if your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, you will be radiant, as though a lamp were shining on you.”

During these dark times, find the balance between understanding the truth of what is transpiring around you and filling your eyes with light. This can be a difficult balancing act. Neither extreme is healthy. It’s not good to spend all of your time absorbing heart-wrenching and difficult details. But it’s also not wise to ignore all that is going on. Do not neglect God’s Word. In fact, read it more.

At the very least, we should seek to pray specifically as we are aware of specific needs. I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit how you should pray. Ask Him to bring to mind specific people and situations for which you should pray.

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

You are called to be a light to the world. As people stumble without hope along a dark path, you have the truth. You know the Light of the World who has called you to be the light of the world.

Let your light shine in whatever way you can. Write something. Say something. Post something. Shine the light of Christ and the hope He offers through salvation. Even if all you have the courage to do is share a meme online with a verse calling people to repentance and salvation in Christ, shine your light.

People are desperate for the Light, even if they don’t realize or accept that they are. Pray for the Holy Spirit to send a massive awakening across our land so that people will see their need to repent and come to Christ.

Philippians 2:12-14

Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Be a light from your home and in your home. Let the light of the goodness of Christ that dwells in you shine everywhere. Let it shine with joy on your children and loved ones. Fill your home with joy and light for their sakes. Cultivate light and joy.

Every one of us is called to shine the light of Christ and the truth in different ways. We each have a role to play whether it is big or small.

As you go forward today, be a light. Shine your light. As you look at the people around you, remember that most of them are stumbling lost in the darkness. You are the lantern of Christ’s light crossing their path today. Be a light.