The Power of Light

“This is the message
we have heard from Him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” (I John 1:5)

Imagine a place with no darkness.
None. Not even a shadow.
Only constant, pure, powerful light.

Revealing truth.
Giving security.
Bringing warmth.
Producing growth.

This is the nature of our God, our Creator: “…in Him is no darkness at all.”

Now imagine a place with no light. Black, murky, cold. Lifeless and without distinction. The words heaviness and hopelessness come to mind.

Such polar opposites. Two incompatible conditions.

Light is a very foundational aspect of life, as revealed in our Creator’s first recorded words: “Let there be light.” And in a moment a dark, empty wasteland transformed into a target of potential. (Genesis 1:3)

This initial light was not from the stars or sun or moon, as many of us assumed before reading more thoughtfully. No, these cosmic spheres were created three days later. This first light appeared when God released light from within Himself. The “no darkness at all” lit up this darkened planet.

Genesis 1:4 goes on to say God saw that the light was good and suitable, and He approved it. Then He separated the light from the darkness.

Most of us have read or heard this story of creation, but what does it have to do with us now? We have light and dark, night and day, so what more do we need to know?

The God who first released light into darkness is still doing so.

Have you ever walked into a darkened building – one that you had only seen from the outside?

At first you carefully make your way around from the little bit of light that shone in when you entered. But that soon dissipates and although nothing but ebony lies ahead, you feel compelled to explore. To just see what’s around the corner. “I can always find my way out,” you think.

But the farther you venture into the center of the structure, the more you bump and stumble and bruise shins. You may even fall down a set of stairs or knock something over that causes someone else to get hurt.

Soon you find yourself beat up, lost, and desperately wishing for a light switch.

Although I’ve only experienced a portion of this scenario in a dark building, I’ve experienced it to greater degrees than I’d like to admit in the circumstances of life.

• I’ve walked into situations that I knew were dark and unfamiliar.
• I’ve bumped and bumbled my way through, trying not to break something or hurt myself and others.
• I’ve been torn between going deeper in and trying to find my way out.

I somehow thought that the darkness would hide my mistakes and cover up my fear and confusion, but they only grew and multiplied in the blackness. I imagined that this unlit path would eventually lead to a desirable place, but it only thickened like quicksand around my feet.

It was only when the light of truth, the Light of the Holy One, entered into my prison that I realized how much I wanted and needed to be free. I found myself breathing in the light as if it were air.

Light was the only answer. Light was the only solution. Without it I wandered aimlessly and without hope. Never accurately seeing my situation. Never finding peace or freedom. Deceived by my own choices.

Maybe this sounds familiar. Maybe you’re lost in the dark – lost and hurt and confused.

This is where the words “Let there be light” are hope for you today.

Light still radiates forth from your Creator, pushing back darkness and exposing barriers, traps, and hurtles. Light still breaks in, revealing injuries and showing the way out.

After walking in the dark for a while, light can seem so harsh, so blunt. But it is absolutely necessary. And it is good. Light brings hope, and hope leads to freedom and life.

For Light comes not to condemn or judge, but to save.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12)

Find  more inspiring words for the soul in Amy’s article Human Life Verses Spiritual Life