By During a personal struggle last week, I was challenged to not become discouraged. I was challenged to rely on my faith in God. I could have easily become overwhelmed by the darkness and become very sad and frightened. However, as I moved through this difficult situation, I chose to let the light outshine the darkness of the circumstances.
If you think about it, each of us needs a light to walk safely in unfamiliar surroundings at night. We may use a flashlight, or the light on a cell phone, to shine down at the path in front of us. We use this light so that we do not trip over a pet or an object. We use this light so we don’t stumble down the steps. We use this light so that we don’t bump into the wall. This is our human way to control and to provide light to the darkness.
However, God offers each of us an everlasting light:
“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path”
Psalm 119:105
The same way that we use a physical light to keep us safe; God’s word is the light to our lives. The physical things we can stumble over if we don’t see them compare to the stumbling blocks in our lives without God’s light.
In this life, too many of us are in pain. Too many of us suffer and struggle on a daily basis. The darkness in these struggles often is overwhelming. Not only should we look to God as the healer during this suffering, but we should turn to Him as the light.
The path in our lives indicates that we make choices. We as sinners have made choices that cause us (or our families and friends) pain and suffering. And sometimes the paths in our lives are painful but are not a result of our decisions – these may be illnesses; disasters; life circumstances. No matter the cause of our sufferings, we have a light to guide us continuously and safely.
Applying God’s word, the light, to our life begins in small steps. Reading and hearing God’s word begins by building knowledge of the Word. Often though, reading the Bible is hard and may be difficult to understand. Having the knowledge itself does not change your path. Instead, application of God’s word occurs over time with dedication. I have found it extremely helpful to read from a Life Application Study Bible which provides the knowledge, then provides an interpretation, and then applies the knowledge to life circumstances.
Now truly God’s word is the light upon my path. May you be blessed to let the light outshine the darkness in your suffering, in your pain, in your daily life.
