The sermon this past Sunday was from John 8, Jesus Light of the World. It’s had me thinking for a few days. But then, that is what sermons are supposed to do.
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12, NASB)
To follow Jesus means to believe in Him, to trust Him each day, and to obey Him and His Word. As a result, we are given eternal life, or Light in eternity.
Jesus was reminding those listening of the exodus from Egypt. In the darkness of night while in the wilderness, God led them by a pillar of fire. He provided light in the darkness.
But what about us today, who live in this wilderness of a world. The darkness of situations are all around us, sometimes pressing on our hearts like a heavy weight. Hear these words from Isaiah:
“The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.” (Isaiah 9:2, NASB)
Even in the darkness of the world around us, we can be a people who will not only see the Light, but the Light will shine on us, and in us. We won’t stumble around, but walk with confidence in the light He shines onto our path.
So often we want to see far off into the distance, and the future. We want to know and see what the days ahead will hold. Much the way, a flashlight shows us where to take our next step, we must also trust God each step of the way.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NASB)
May our prayer be simple:
“Lord, be our beacon of light in dark times.”
“Hard times come around for all of us, but they don’t have to make us doubt God’s loving presence in our lives.” Looking for encouragement? You will surely find it in Ashley’s post, “Doubting God’s Presence: 6 Sweet Reminders” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
It’s true—I’d like the whole itinerary, but God often only shows us the next step. But since He is our light, we can trust where He leads, even when we can’t see the way.
Barbara, I think I need Him to lead especially, and even more, when I cannot see the way! Thank you, friend, for constantly sharing your thoughts!
He is the Light that shines in the darkness, Joanne!
“So often we want to see far off into the distance, and the future.” Yep, that’s me, Joanne. As we wait for God’s plans to unfold for our new college grad, it’s comforting to know that He always provides enough light for the next step. I’m also thankful God knows we live in a dark world and is with us in it, helping us to reflect His glory.
Echoing your following statement Joanne;
“May our prayer be simple:
“Lord, be our beacon of light in dark times.” Amen!
Blessings, Jennifer
Amen, Joanne! We must continue to encourage one another as the darkness deepens. And we are to be salt and light in the midst.
Thank you, Joanne, for shining your light for us here each week.
We learn trust so much better having just the next step lightened for us as we follow Christ. We must trust His lead, and not become anxious.
And while His Light shines for us, on us, and in us, we can share that Light with others and help them see their way forward on the hard paths of life as well.
We do live in a dark wilderness of a world, don’t we? I look back over the years that I have been alive and wonder how we got here. I just finished reading Pam’s post”When Did We Stop?” I commented to her that if we didn’t know that God is ultimately in control, it would be disheartening. But it’s a great reminder that we can shine God’s light where we are as God gives us the opportunity and trust Him with the rest.
I’m so grateful for God’s light in the darkness.
Joanne, your thoughts reminded me of Ps. 139. “Even the darkness is not dark to You,
And the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.” That verse has comforted me many times.
“Even in the darkness of the world around us, we can be a people who will not only see the Light, but the Light will shine on us, and in us.” Yes! This is my prayer!
May our prayer be simple, indeed… Thank you for Your light in our dark world, Lord… and may I bring Your light to others around me! Amen!
Amen! Jesus is the light, and we can shine His light to those around us. I’m so thankful that our God is in control and nothing can thwart His purposes. He gives us strength to be His lights in this dark world. Blessings to you!
I’m pondering this alongside the truth that WE are lights. We’re given every opportunity to see by his brightness.
Everything around is darker and more drear. Keeping our face and heart turned toward the Light of the World is our only recourse toward holiness, sanity, and hope.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus …
“…the Light of Life.” That phrase really jumped out at me today! Yes, He is our guide and protector!