Photo by Mo Eid
What’s the first thing you do when you walk into a dark room? You’d likely turn on the light to see clearer and brighter. There’s a great theme surrounding light and darkness, especially when we talk about things not of the earth. Moreover, we associate light with the good stuff, while darkness often portrays the bad. How do we separate the two extremes, especially in a world full of both?
In Ecclesiastes 11:7, it says. “Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.”
It’s undeniable that light illuminates everything in its path. It erases our fears of anything that’s lurking in the dark. Furthermore, it shows us which areas to be careful so nothing bad happens. That light has been experienced firsthand by the author Lauralee Lindholm herself, which you can find in the book Out of Darkness into Light. Aside from being a story of what life was like in Ethiopia, it’s also a testimony of God’s faithfulness to His people who trust Him wholeheartedly to deliver them from darkness.
As we venture into this life, may we learn more about light and darkness from the most reliable source: the Bible.
What Does the Bible Say About Light and Darkness?
The Bible uses the concept of light to help us understand God’s gift to us in Christ Jesus. The stark contrast between light and darkness makes it clearer for us to figure out the grace that the Lord gives even in the darkest times. That’s why when the Bible talks about alleviating our fears, worries, and sins, it’s the same as light, canceling out the dark to illuminate its surroundings.
Light as A Symbol of God’s Presence and Goodness
God offers hope and redemption to His people throughout the Old and New Testaments. It’s God’s way of showing us His glory and power that can’t be rivaled even in total darkness. Therefore, trusting and basking in His light means we are in good hands forevermore.
Additionally, Psalm 27:1 is a strong reminder for those who still fear the dark:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?”
And in Psalm 119:130, we see that God also enlightens the mind:
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”
This way, we can celebrate Christ’s light due to His revelation. It’s a symbol of great hope, which we can commemorate for the years to come. Moreover, God gave this world enough light for life to thrive. But spiritually, we can still succumb to darkness unless we cling to God’s light.
Darkness as A Symbol of Sin, Evil, And Separation from God
Did you know that even if we live according to our own wisdom of inner light, it’s still considered a form of spiritual darkness? Human philosophy is concentrated on oneself, and even the Bible has something to say about it.
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” (Isaiah 5:21)
The Bible laments those who live according to their own wisdom instead of the Lord’s. Paul hereby declares that the Holy Spirit is the only way for people to be spiritually enlightened. Our thoughts are not God’s, nor our ways His, as God says.
The Call to Walk in The Light
Separation from God is the worst-case scenario when one is drowned in utter spiritual darkness. After all, the Psalmist speaks of “the shadow of death” as the means to eternal separation. Moreover, the contrast between light and darkness calls people to a life of righteousness, holiness, and obedience. By walking in the light, believers are exhorted to “live as children of light” and to “have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” (Ephesians 5-8-11).
This call to embrace the light and reject darkness is rooted in the truth that God is the source of all light and goodness. We can overcome the fear and uncertainty of living in the shadows of sin and unrighteousness. Furthermore, light and darkness go hand-in-hand in this word, so we should be vigilant at all costs, especially when the Bible already presents us with the truth of Jesus Christ as light incarnate. He is the one true light that illuminates the world, and so are we.
As we’re commanded to be the salt and light of the world, we must depend on God for strength. It’s the only way to be strong enough to overcome darkness and take heart. Hence, a book about spiritual light and darkness is what you need to arm yourselves in this world. Get a copy of Out of Darkness into Light by Lauralee Lindholm now!
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