By Barbara Heil

 

 

“I have come as light into the world,
that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.”~ John 12:46

“I came into the world as Light”

Have you ever wrestled in the dark, going into dark places in your thoughts and imagination? It is easy to do when we are going through hard things. Our imaginations get the best of us sometimes, and we can get caught up in a cycle of “what ifs” and negativity. How do we stop the cycle of darkness? How do I see again when I’m in a shadowy, fearful place?

In the Gospel, the Good News, Jesus tells me, “I have come into the world as light so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness” (vs.46). 

Another version says, “…shall not abide in darkness”.  

“Everyone who believes in Me, shall not remain in darkness”

I remember when my first husband unexpectedly died. My whole family was in mourning. I was not just mourning the loss of a spouse but the loss of a parent of my four children. 

It was blow upon blow. Yet, as I went through my journey of suffering, I learned to keep turning toward the Light. I had to lean on the Lord every single day. The thoughts, questions, and pressures were overwhelming at times, but I gathered my strength by turning my eyes toward Jesus, My Light in the darkness. 

I remember the promise He gave me at that time, even though I felt swallowed up, that I would not remain in darkness. That promise from God is what kept me going. I still had difficult days as we navigated those first days, months, and even years, but God was ever faithful. As I turned toward Him with my pain and in the confusion, His Presence lifted me through the darkness until I could see His Light.

Where has your world been dark? Have you experienced that shadowy place of uncertainty? The Gaze of God is our remedy. He doesn’t just have light; He IS Light.  

My friend, continue to meditate on the words of Jesus, “I came into the world as light” and “so everyone who believes in me might not remain or abide, [i.e., live stay or dwell] in darkness.”

 

Prayer

O Lord, I come to you today and give you all the dark places. You already know them, Lord. I give You every place of struggle, loss, pain, or confusion. You are my Light! Help me turn my heart, imagination, and thoughts toward you. Amen.

Call to Action

Ask the Lord for His life and light to break through places of sorrow and struggle in your life. Pray the Psalms and refocus your attention on Jesus. Look for His light in every situation. And most importantly, begin to give Him thanks in all things. This will help reorient your thoughts and remind you that God is with you.

 

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