Darkness and Light

My kids and I were sitting in the living room working on some decorations for an event.  Suddenly my husband came in the room and said, "Watch this," as he turned the light on for us.  It was already close to six in the evening.  We'd been working a couple of hours, having fun while we worked, and hadn't noticed how dark it had gotten in the room.  As soon as he turned the light on, we could see so much better. Everything was clearer.

I couldn't help but think back to the day I was saved.  Not only did I immediately feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, but I literally felt like I could see more clearly. It was as if God turned the light on and the colors became brighter. I know this doesn't happen to everyone.  Everyone has a different experience. This was my visual experience.  The grass seemed greener, the sky was a deeper blue, the flowers were brighter.  I felt like I was looking through new lenses.  And then as I started to read God's word, I also started to see things differently.  The circumstances around me, the places I went, the clothing I wore. It hadn't bothered me before if I wore a low cut blouse or a short tight dress.  I no longer liked spending my weekends in the clubs drinking and dancing. I'd go and I'd see emptiness all around me. God began to change my heart and what seemed natural to me before, now made me feel uncomfortable.  Again, this was my experience.  Fortunately, God doesn't deal with all our issues, weaknesses or sins at once. But he had begun a work in me which he promised to continue until completion, until the day I meet Him. The light of the Word, Christ, shines in the darkness of our hearts, gently reasoning with us.

When my husband turned the light on and we could suddenly see so clearly, I couldn't help but also think of how we hadn't even noticed it had gotten dark.  None of us had even thought of turning the light on.  In the same way darkness is gradual in a room, darkness is gradual in our hearts and minds. As we stay away from the Light of the World, our hearts become darker gradually and before we know it, we're no longer following in His footsteps, seeking His will.  Jesus tells us in John 8 that He is the light of the world and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.  So how do we follow Him?  How do we follow anyone?  By getting to know them.  He turns on the light and we follow by staying in His word and seeking His will.  And as we do this, we are not only in the light, but the light is in us, and we can then shine His light in the darkness.

"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16