Our Light in the Darkness

Recently, a friend and I were reminiscing about our childhoods. Along with sharing our various silly memories, escapades, and blunders, we also spent a fair amount of time recounting the fears that plagued us as kids. Maybe this is a generational thing or the fact that my dad let me watch too many old Western movies with him, but I had a paralyzing fear of quicksand as a child. In my little mind, I assumed that quicksand was going to be a constant danger in my life that I would have to avoid or escape. To date, I’m more than a little relieved to say that I haven’t had to contend with quicksand in my adult life!

However, there is one fear that gripped me as a kid that I still wrestle with as an adult — fear of the dark. I think most children and even grown-ups have some fear of darkness at some point.​

There is something about total, blinding darkness that can make even the bravest person’s heart rate speed up a bit. Even though I am not fearful of darkness in the same way I was as a child, it can still create a heavy sense of anxiety and uncertainty for me at times. 

​This is why I love the imagery that the Bible gives us that God is our light. ​

“For it is You who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness.” Psalm 18:28

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

Just as the physical dark can cause us to feel frightened, unsure, and anxious, there are other darknesses that can cause the same feelings and worries within us. In this life, we will all experience the darkness of hardship, loss, suffering, and grief. Sometimes these seasons are heavy and filled with anxiety. At other times, they are downright scary. 

Thankfully, God doesn’t leave us on our own in the dark times we face. We don’t have to wander or stumble blindly in the dark. God will always answer our longing for a light to disperse the darkness. However, something the Lord has impressed on me is that during these times I often expect a floodlight, when He wants me to trust Him with just a candle. 

I want the darkness banished.
He wants me to walk through it with Him by my side.

I want to flip a switch and avoid all traces of the dark.
​God wants me to learn to lean on Him and trust Him to deliver me safely to the other side. 

Since mankind plunged our way into sin and darkness, it has always been God’s plan to restore us back to Him where we can live in the fullness of His glorious light. ​

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

Those of us who have placed our faith in Christ are living in the “already” and the “not yet.” Already we have been justified, forgiven, and made heirs of Heaven for all eternity. But we still live in the “not yet” — we are living and waiting for God’s perfect timing to usher in His Kingdom where all will be made right and our faith will become sight. But even as we live in the darkness of the “not yet” where there is sin and suffering, we still have light.

​God always gives us enough light to trust Him, to keep going step by step and day by day. 

And as we trust Him, His promises, and His faithfulness, we can be sure that whatever darkness surrounds us, will never overwhelm us. It cannot, because we have His presence, and He is our Light. So, even as we wrestle with anxieties, fears, and seasons of suffering, His light gives us guidance, peace, and comfort. ​

When my daughter was a toddler, we reached a point where she became fearful of the dark at night. Like most parents, our solution was to get her a nightlight. However, this did not satisfy her at first. She wanted me to allow her to sleep with a stronger, brighter light. I did my best to explain to her that the soft glow of the nightlight would give her just enough light to see and know that all was well, but a big light would be too much and keep her from being able to rest. With time and experience, she learned this was true and has come to find great comfort in her nightlight. 

The same is true for us. While we may want to dispel all darkness as we navigate the trials and difficulties we face, God desires for us to trust Him with the candle that He has given.

He knows what we need to see for the moment.

I cannot help but believe that if I were to see all things illumined, it would be too much for me. I would not be able to rest, and I certainly wouldn’t live by faith and trust in God to order all things perfectly. I would put my trust in what I could see, and that way leads only to folly and pain. 

Whatever dark times you may be walking through, remember that God walks with you. He may not be bathing your entire path with light, but He is lighting the portion you are walking on at this very moment. You are not alone. You are safe in His care. He will not abandon you.

​Consider these words of Tim Keller: ​​

“When Jesus Christ was in the garden of Gethsemane and the ultimate darkness was coming down on him and he knew it was coming, he didn’t abandon you; he died for you. If Jesus Christ didn’t abandon you in his darkness, the ultimate darkness, why would he abandon you now, in yours?” —​Walking with God through Pain and Suffering

Furthermore, be encouraged that one day — maybe soon! — His glorious light will be revealed in all its fullness. When that day comes, there will be no more fear, sadness, worry, or night. There will be “no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there” (Revelation 21:23-25). 

Until then, keep walking and keep trusting in the One who lights your way and will always keep you from stumbling. Yes, the darkness is heavy and tiresome. But God, who is our Light, rules over all things, including your darkness.

"...I often expect a floodlight, when He wants me to trust Him with just a candle." I love that quote! ​How can trusting God to provide just enough light for each step, rather than a floodlight for the entire path, deepen our faith and reliance on Him during the darkest moments of life?