5 Reminders about Light When You Feel Surrounded by Darkness

1. God's Word is a light that guides you through darkness.

In the darkness of this fallen world, Psalm 119:105 proclaims: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This poetic imagery vividly portrays the transformative power of God’s Word. Like a lamp shining in the darkness, the Bible offers eternal wisdom to enlighten your journey through life. The Bible is a living book with words that can sink deep into your soul when you read them. As Hebrews 4:12 points out: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” The Bible’s words are like a bright and powerful laser showing you how to make the best decisions in any situation. In its pages, you can discover timeless guidance, and the encouragement you need to faithfully act on that guidance. The more you let the Bible’s truths penetrate your heart and mind, the more they shape your attitudes and actions, helping you grow in holiness. God’s Word strengthens you by leading you closer to God, the source of all strength. It acts like a strong light that dispels the darkness around you. No matter how dark your circumstances are, you can find the clarity and encouragement you need shining through the Bible’s living words.

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2. The light of Jesus brings hope and healing.

Isaiah 9:2 highlights how the light of Jesus shines as a beacon of hope and healing in the darkness of our fallen world: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.” The light of God’s presence breaks through the gloom of despair, bringing hope and help to everyone who needs it. Jesus’ ministry was characterized by hope and healing. He shone the light of compassion on the brokenhearted, the light of mercy on the marginalized, and the light of restoration for the sick. Everywhere Jesus went, he brought the transformative light of God’s love that dispels the darkness of sin and death. Jesus invites everyone who feels exhausted from the burden of dealing with darkness to come to him, and he promises to lighten their load. He says in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” The light of Jesus has touched the lives of countless suffering people who have moved from the darkness of despair to light of wholeness. Jesus loves you with a radiant love that can shine into any area of your life to help you with whatever you need. When you receive Jesus’ love, he will strengthen you like a powerful light flooding your soul with hope and healing. 

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3. The light of Jesus reveals wonder as it overcomes darkness.

In John 1:5, we encounter a profound truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This declaration describes the eternal victory of Jesus’ light over darkness. No matter how pervasive or overwhelming the darkness may seem for you, it can’t extinguish the radiance of God’s presence in your life. Imagine standing on the edge of a vast and dark space, feeling the weight of uncertainty pressing in on you from all sides. In such moments, it can be easy to give into fear and allow the darkness to overshadow your faith and dim your hope. However, it’s precisely in these moments that the light of Jesus shines most brightly, revealing wonder in the middle of darkness. As you encounter God’s awe-inspiring light, you can see the beauty of God’s unlimited power to help you overcome the darkness surrounding you. The light of Jesus is like a searchlight that shows you where to look. It directs your perspective beyond the temporary struggles of this world and encourages you to focus on God’s promises. You find assurance that the light of God’s love for you will prevail in any type of dark circumstances. So, don’t worry about the darkness. Instead, look at the light Jesus is shining into your life. Fix your gaze on the light of Jesus, allowing his radiance to illuminate your path and fill you with wonder. 

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4. The light of Jesus exposes sin and redeems it.

Ephesians 5:8-13 points out that Jesus’ light reveals the darkness of sin, and urges you to join Jesus in his redemptive work in our world: “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. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible – and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.” Just as light dispels the darkness, the light of Jesus exposes the hidden works of darkness, bringing them into the fullness of God’s truth. In Jesus’ presence, there is no room for deceit or pretense. His light pierces through the facade of outward piety and reveals the true condition of people’s souls. This reality shows you the need for confession, repentance, and forgiveness in your relationship with Jesus. You can count on Jesus to shine his light of grace on you whenever you ask him for it. As 1 John 1:9 promises: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” So, don’t shrink back from the piercing light of Jesus, but embrace it wholeheartedly, allowing it to expose the hidden depths of your soul. Confess your sins to him regularly, turn away from them, ask for forgiveness, and trust in his loving mercy to cleanse you from all unrighteousness. Do your best to live as a child of the light, overcoming darkness and growing in holiness. Romans 13:12 encourages you: “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” 

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5. Jesus calls you to reflect his light.

Jesus declares to his disciples in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Jesus calls you to reflect the wonder of his light in every aspect of your life. He wants you to be a living testimony of his redemptive work, shining brightly in a fallen world that is full of darkness. This calling encompasses your entire life. Every thought, word, and action is an opportunity to reflect the light of Jesus to those you encounter. Your life should point other people to Jesus as the source of true hope and salvation. This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility. It invites you to embrace your identity as children of light and to let your life shine brightly for God’s glory. So, let others see the light of Jesus shining in your life. Share the Gospel with them and let God’s love flow through you to them by living a lifestyle of intentional kindness. 

In this dark world, the light of Jesus shines brightly, offering real hope to everyone who embraces it. Don’t let the darkness that surrounds you cause you to despair. Jesus’ light is much more powerful than any darkness. You can find that powerful light whenever you look for it – and you can share it with other people who need hope. The more you focus on God’s light and share it with others, the more the radiance of God’s love will shine through the darkness.

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