Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
It is only against the backdrop of total darkness that light in all its brilliance can be fully appreciated and enjoyed. I was recently reminded of this truth while reading about the crucifixion account of Jesus. It was at a time when I was dealing with some difficult circumstances in my personal life. One minute things were fine and dandy, the next I was wandering through the murky shadows of uncertainty and utter chaos.
“Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)
We live in a fallen world and because of this reality we must continually contend with the evil forces making war against the children of God. The closer we grow in our relationship with Jesus and the greater an impact our lives make on the kingdom of God, the harder Satan and his fallen angels will work to bring us down. But remember, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
There is an unseen battle going on in the heavenly realms and God is fighting for us. But we must do our part. We must take up our positions and stand firm in our faith.
You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the LORD will be with you.’” (2 Chronicles 20:17)
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14)
We have no reason to fear darkness and evil because at the cross Jesus conquered it all. The last three hours of Jesus’ life were spent in the darkness of our sin – a burden so heavy the whole land experienced the weight of it.
“It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.” (Luke 23:44-46)
It was the “darkest” time on earth – and yet that darkness was the very thing that gives us light today. When you and I grow weary from the burdens of life and are overwhelmed with the darkness of our soul, we need to call out to Jesus and allow Him to shine His pure and holy light into even our darkest circumstances.
“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)
Dear Lord, thank you for reminding us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, you are there to provide light, life, and hope.
