Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
17 “Whatever is good and perfect comes to us from GOD above, who created all heaven’s lights. Unlike them, HE never changes or casts shifting shadows. 18 In HIS goodness HE chose to make us HIS own children by giving us HIS true Word. And we, out of all creation, became HIS choice possession.” ~ James 1:17-18
The Bible often compares goodness with light and evil with darkness. – “The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects me from danger – so why should I tremble?” – Psalm 27:1 – Our fears are a dark shadow that envelops us and ultimately imprisons us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another – whether it is fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertainty, sickness, or even death. But, we can conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the LORD, who brings salvation. If we want to dispel the darkness of fear, let us remember with the psalmist that “the LORD is my light and my salvation”.
Darkness can overcome us in many ways – from the fear of the unknown to depression from a loss or a wrong that has been done to us. But how wonderful to know that even when we think we are alone in our “darkness” – our Father, the Creator of all things, the Author and Finisher of our lives – is with us. One year, right before Christmas, my husband and I lost a very dear high school friend. This loss has been particularly hard for the best friend of this man as they have been friends since they were children – he is imprisoned within himself by his grief. This man (the best friend) has confessed that since his friend’s death he has not been able to face darkness. He is no longer comfortable in a dark room or the darkness of night as he feels cold and empty. Like many of us do when we lose someone close to us, he is facing a loss that he cannot seem to get over. My husband and I have prayed for this man and we have sought the LORD in how to help him overcome his depression and loss. While sitting in church on Sunday morning the LORD gave my husband these words for our friend: “Behold, for I am light! You need not fear the darkness for it is short. It comes for a season so that we may rest and recharge. The light may dim but it will never go out. Even through darkness the light is there, for HIS promise is never empty. Through darkness and solitude your faith grows, for what you do not see is what really is and what you do see may in an instant be gone. So, do not fear the darkness for because of His wounds there will always be light.” – We all deal with personal loss and tragedy differently. However, with the strength and gracious love of our heavenly Father – we will all be able to face our “darkness” without the fear of overwhelming depression and sense of loss whenever we think of our loved ones. – 19 “No longer will you need the sun or moon to give you light, for the LORD your GOD will be your everlasting light, and HE will be your glory. 20 The sun will never set; the moon will not go down. For the LORD will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end.” – Isaiah 60:19-20
Father GOD, thank YOU for YOUR Word. Thank YOU for the promise of never being alone, and never having to live in darkness. LORD, we understand that although the light may become dim to our human eyes, it is only for a season – we have the promise of knowing it will never go out. Even through the darkness we know there is light because YOUR promises are never empty.
Photo: Durango (Colorado)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
