Light and Darkness

Chuckle: A Texas cowboy bought a Dachshund when someone told him to "get a long little dogie!"

Quote: "Light that makes some things seen, makes some things invisible. Were it not for darkness and the shadow of the earth, the noblest part of the creation would remain unseen, and the stars in heaven invisible" --Sir Thomas Browne

"You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light" (2 Samuel 22:29 NIV). "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all" (I John 1:5 NIV).

Have you ever laid on your back in soft grass, on a cool dark summer night, gazing at the star-lit heavens and were amazed by what you saw? Have you realized that if it were not for the darkness of night, we would never see the brilliance of God's celestial creation? The light of the stars and planets that appear so brightly would never be observable without the darkness. In a similar way, were it not for the dark times in our lives, we would miss many opportunities to see the brilliance of God's light and love to give us hope, healing, and heightened appreciation for his wonders.

We all experience dark times -- times when someone has disappointed us, an unexpected illness has taken over our bodies, a child has broken our hearts, or a financial crisis has become overwhelming. Sadly, at times like these, many turn to everything and everyone for light to illuminate the darkness and give them the help they need, instead of turning to God. When we have allowed ourselves to drift away from God, we are often reluctant to come back to him and other Christians who love us and want to show us the light of God's love, which we can no longer see.

From childhood, we fear the dark and have a distinct preference for daylight over darkness. But aren't you thankful for the darkness of night that makes it possible to see the beauty and magnitude of God's creation? We can also be thankful for the dark times in our lives if, while in the darkness, we look for the light rather than hiding our heads in despair. You may have heard the saying that goes something like this: "You can light a candle or curse the darkness." Well, let's modify this saying, "You can curse the darkness or turn to the Light of the World!" In the dark times, we can let the light of his love wash over us and change how we feel about ourselves, our circumstances, and other people around us.

Jesus himself had to go through dark times as he faced the horrible prospect of the cross. At Gethsemane, he said to his disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death." Then he prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:38-39 NIV). In his darkest hour, he turned toward his Father who made the darkness more bearable and understandable by showing him light on the other side.

The next time you look up at the stars on a dark night, remember the words of Sir Thomas Browne, "Were it not for the darkness . . ., the noblest part of the creation would remain unseen." And also remember, were it not for our dark times in life, the full dimensions of God's love and power would not be experienced.

 

Love, Jerry & Dotse