In The Darkness There Is Light

“But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
John 11:10 

A few years ago I had a private office at work.  I really liked it. It afforded me peace and quiet, privacy, and a measure of freedom.  I really liked it, but one thing it did not have: a window.

This became apparent to me one day, when a terrible storm hit our city and took our power out.  Suddenly I was sitting in pitch blackness.  No shred of light could be seen.  My computer screen went blank immediately.  So I sat in the instant quiet of a dead building.

While I sat there, fear began to creep in.  I became nervous because I had no clue where anyone or anything was.  But then an amazing thing happened.  I felt God.  He was there, and I was not alone.  My fears subsided quickly.  I remembered the scripture where He says He will never leave me or forsake me.  I was not alone, and I was safe in the shelter of His arms.  In the darkness there was Light.

He was the light.  Before the emergency power came on and activity and sounds returned, I was already benefiting from the light that lives within us.  I could see His presence.  And since the light was there, the darkness began to fade.  It may have still been pitch black, but His light was shining through it.

If you have a similar experience, remember that darkness cannot exist where light is.  And for Christians, since Jesus lives within us, there is always a light shining to banish the darkness, no matter the cause.  It is not always a physical darkness.  It can be emotional, spiritual, even imagined, but that does not make it any less real. What is real is the Savior who replaces the darkness with beautiful light, and restores our peace and our sense of safety.

Some of our experiences with darkness do not pass as quickly as mine did.  Some require a much longer time before we are able to see the light pierce through.  But as we stumble and sometimes fall, searching for light and breath and peace, He is still right there beside us.  Darkness can not overcome us when we know the One who takes the darkness away merely by His presence.

I learned from my experience to trust God more.  When we trust Him, we find peace in situations that may for a moment frighten us.  But once we settle down, and remember who our God is, the light will penetrate the darkness, and free us from our fear.

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’ ”  (John 8:12)

When have you experienced darkness that was banished by the presence of the Lord?  Please go to www.mystoryofgrace.com and share that time with us!

Blessings!