Turn on the Light!

Pam Farrel is an encourager, and she uses the truth of scripture to encourage women to become strong Christ-followers. In this Spiritual Growth UPGRADE, she explains how we can walk in the light of our Savior, and not become discouraged by the darkness in our culture."Christ claims He is the SOURCE of light," Pam says. "We need light so we do not stumble in the darkness."

I (Dawn) don't know about you, but the darkness in the culture seems to get darker and darker every day! But I know this: when life gets dark, that's when the Light of the World seems to shine even brighter!

Pam continues . . . 

Jesus was clear about the source of light.

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life' (John 8:12 ESV).

Strong Concordance says light is “the manifestation of God's self-existent life; divine illumination to reveal and impart life, through Christ.” 

Commentator FB Meyer proposes that when Jesus claimed to be “the light of the world” He might have also been referring to the huge golden candelabra of the temple court. The candelabra was lit for the Feast of Tabernacles in celebration of God leading Israel as a cloud by day and a fire by night.

Again, God’s presence is not a reflection of light; rather, God is the source of light.

Jesus is the light that the darkness can NOT overcome:

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (John 1:5 NIV).

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5 NIV).

Jesus, the light that conquers darkness, is GOOD NEWS!

To gain this victory over darkness, we are to follow Him, meaning we accompany Jesus and travel the same road as His disciple. When we maintain this intimate relationship with Jesus, the verse explains we will not walk in darkness because we will NOT conduct ourselves in “moral or spiritual obscurity (which blocks the light of God …).”

We choose to walk in Christ’s light.

How Can We Walk in the Light?

Years ago, our friends and authors, Paul and Virginia Friesen, invited us to speak on Catalina Island for a rustic family camp. Paul explained we would stay in the deluxe cabin meaning, “you have a light bulb with a chain you can pull to turn on the light.” 

• Pull the chain!
• Call out to the LIGHT of heaven.
• Then ask all those who walk in the Light to link up WITH you!

1. Step In the Light:

for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (Eph 5:8).

2. Sing Light!

But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress (Psalm 59:16 ESV.

3. Speak Light!

Personalize and pray OUT LOUD Ephesians 6:10-17 (NIV).

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 

Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,

and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

4. Shout Light!

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9, emphasis added).  

FLIP THE SWITCH!

I live on a boat, so I recently bought a lovely lantern that looks like a lighthouse. The job of a lighthouse is to guide ships into safe harbor.

God can shine light into the darkest moments and lead us step by step.

Consider buying a light as a symbol of Christ as your light: a candle, a nightlight, a candlestick, or a lantern can be a beautiful reminder of Christ, our light.

In what areas of your life do you need to turn on the light and allow God to dispel the darkness?

Pam Farrel is the author of more than 55 books, including several devotionals Her newest devotional is Discovering Good News In John: A Creative Bible Devotional Study Experience—co-authored with Jean E Jones and Karla Dornacher. You can connect with Pam at Love-Wise.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Steve Johnson at Unsplash.