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

For you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light. Eph. 5:8, MEV

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the nature of darkness and light. Our culture appears to be growing ever darker, but the interesting thing about darkness is that even the tiniest, dimmest light can disrupt it.

The other night I stubbed my toe in the dark. My husband can’t sleep well in a room with light, so our bedroom is very dark at night. I have had night blindness for years, so navigating my way to bed after he is already asleep is always an adventure, especially if something has been moved within a toe-stubbing distance!

To achieve my husband’s desired level of darkened sleeping environment, I even have to cover the indicator light on our power strip. This is not a bright light in the daytime, but boy does its green glow penetrate the darkness!

Darkness cannot extinguish the light. If light is present, it will illuminate the room. That’s what light does. I think sometimes we give darkness too much power.

Jesus tells us, “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.” Matthew 5:14-16, NIV

As Christians, we carry God’s light with us into our spheres of influence. So, I encourage you, don’t cover it up, and don’t leave the room. Don’t let darkness settle around you, even if you are weak, tired, scared, or your light feels dim. You carry the Spirit of God, His Light, within you; therefore, just like it’s the nature of physical light to drive the darkness away, it’s the nature of the Holy Spirit to drive spiritual darkness away. Jesus gave us His Spirit and told us to shine into the darkness.

If things appear to be getting darker, maybe it’s because our lights are being covered, or we are not shining together. Imagine the brightness that happens when our lights shine together!

Lord, You have made us to be lights in the darkness. Remind us of our identities and influence as carriers of Your Holy Spirit into our spheres of influence this week. Amen.

Copyright Vicki Milczewsky.

Vicki is a teacher and former Christian Educators staff member from California.