Shattering the DarknessSample

Darkness and Light

Reflection:

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.” Genesis 1:3,4 (NIV)

If you had a choice between darkness and light, what would you choose? The first day, God created light and, after declaring it “good,” He separated it from the darkness. He didn’t just wipe out the darkness; He allowed it to exist. As a child, I may have chosen endless light because darkness frightened me. Going anywhere into an unlit area took all the courage I could muster. I have to admit that as an adult, I sometimes feel my heart racing when a shadow unexpectedly crosses my path in a dark room, but I have learned to appreciate the restfulness of night.

Without both darkness and light, you would never see the glowing moon or the glittering stars illuminating the sky at night. Multicolored sunrises and flaming sunsets would be nonexistent, and there would be no respite from the hot sun at the end of the day. God knew what He was doing!

Application:

Throughout the Bible, darkness and shadows are used to symbolize sin and separation from God, but He offers us a solution. His name is Jesus. Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) states that before you knew Christ, “you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” Matthew 4:16 (ESV) says, “the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.”

God knows what is best and does not shield you from all difficulties or compel your choices. He lets you decide. Will you choose His love and light?

Prayer:

Thank you for your love and light, Lord. Without it, we are locked in darkness, not just physical darkness, but the darkness of sin. Show us how to walk in your light and boldly proclaim your love to others.