Encouragement in dark times

Are you in a dark spot? Maybe you’re down and don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. Perhaps it’s the sin that surrounds you that oppresses your spirit. Maybe you’ve lost your vision for future projects or the family for which you long. Perhaps the thought of growing older and entering the sunset years seems bleak. Whatever you’re going through, remember this: God is a lamp who illumines darkness. Yes. God is light. Today, resolve to carry the Light of Christ with you into every thought and situation. How? Well, my friend, you’ve already begun. You’ve opened your heart to the psalmist’s words in 2 Samuel 22:29, “You illumine my darkness.” So say the words loud and strong to Jesus with me, “Jesus, You illumine my darkness.” Now think of ways He does illumine your darkness. Grab a pen and write whatever comes to your mind. I’ll start, then you add to it. 

Jesus, You illumine my darkness with the truth. When I read the Bible, You encourage my heart. 

Dark spots and times in our lives aren’t the end of the tunnel. Rather, dark spots and times are signals to turn on the light just like when we walk into a dark room. We don’t bemoan the dark room or stand in one place and say, “I can’t see how to move forward.” Instead, we put our hand on the light switch. So we put our hand on the Bible. We turn on the light switch. We turn the pages of the Bible. Dark spots are invitations to invite Jesus into your situation. 

Jesus, You who ILLUMINES MY DARKNESS, I praise You that darkness cannot exist when You are present. So fill me. Prompt me to quickly turn to You and Your Word when the darkness begins to move into my heart or mind. I love You, sweet Savior.

Jesus is referred to as the Light several times in the book of John. Want to learn more? Watch this video clip of Debbie’s teaching on the subject.