The Light Casts Out Darkness
The biblical concept of light and darkness, first showing up in Genesis 1:3-5, is a really big concept throughout the Bible and for the Christian faith. Below is how I grasp the concept for me, an adult.
The darkness of creation is still present today. People use the phrase, “I was in a dark place.” when describing a tough or negative time in their life. We have all had “dark times” in our lives. We might have felt empty or that our life had a lack of purpose. We were unsure what direction we should go. There are those haunting voices when our past reminds us of what we had done of which we are not proud. Or the never-ending cycle of remorse for what we have done, followed by the regret for the harm it caused and that is followed by the resolve to never fall into that trap again – only to discover that we are bound by chains that draw us into the trap again – deeper – darker. The worse part of darkness is that it keeps us from seeing who we were genuinely created to become.
But…
God created light and it was good. As the light of a new day dawns into the life that is in a dark place it reveals the objects of darkness and gives a glimpse – a peak at the riches of light. Riches like a life of purpose filled with adventure and a sense of direction. A future of greatness, success, hope and peace. A life filled with a joy no one can ever take from us.
Just seeing the objects of darkness to avoid and glimpses of the riches of the light we desire is not enough. We know we are not to live in a dark place. God created and then separated the light from the darkness. The two cannot exist at the same place and time. Light will drive out the darkness every time.
To start living in the light is simple. First, admitting to God the things we have done that give the haunting voices or binding chains the power to s in darkness. Ask Him to forgive us the thoughts, the words, or the actions that kept us from becoming our best and living in all the light has to offer.
Second, believe that when Jesus died on the cross, He paid the price for those thoughts, words and actions so we are no longer indebted to the darkness. Also, believe the power of the God who raised Jesus from the dead will silence the voices and break the chains of darkness.
Third, make only one new commitment to follow Jesus. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
And…
A new day dawns on our lives.