Light in darkness

Would you agree that the news can sometimes leave you feeling unsettled and discouraged regarding the state of our world?

While it is true that darkness often surrounds us, it is also true that we can be encouraged and find hope in God, whom Psalm 76:4 describes as luminous. Or, as the psalmist states, “God is resplendent.” 

Think about the word “resplendent.” It doesn’t just refer to a physical quality. It encompasses much more. It refers to God’s magnificence and glory that are beyond comparison. 

Where can we bask in His resplendence? The Bible. We can read the Psalms. 

We can look up at the glory of the heavens.

We can meditate on God’s attributes. 

Rather than despair in the hopelessness and discouragement of the world, spend time “sunbathing” in God’s Light. 

Lord, You are RESPLENDENT! Illumine my life with Your glory. 

Download this free printable featuring the attributes of Jesus from the book of John. As you reflect on each one, bask in God’s resplendence by praising Him!

“You look radiant.” Do people say that when they see you? Does the glow on your face cause them to comment? If you said no, neither has anyone said that about me. Guess who that is said about, though? Jesus. Hebrews 1:3 describes Him as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature.”

The word “radiance” is only used 5 times in the Bible and each reference is to God. 

Commentator Vines defines God’s “radiance” as “shining forth, of a light coming from a luminous body.”

One day we will see Jesus in all His radiance. So remember that when things around you are dark. Jesus is radiant, not dark. Look to Him. Go through His attributes and the revelations of His divine character. Turn your face from the darkness to His glorious nature.

Nothing can extinguish Christ’s radiance. One glorious day we’ll join those who are living in God’s radiance. We’ll fall on our knees and worship Him. 

The day is coming when we will either go to Jesus or He returns through the clouds. Keep watching and living for Him.

Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, my heart is overwhelmed when I think of how I will one day behold You in Your RADIANT glory. I praise You and look with anticipation to that day. 

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.

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.