“And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil (John 3:19).
“There are those who dwelt in darkness and in the shadow of death, prisoners in misery and chains. Because they had rebelled against the words of God, and spurned the counsel of the Most High” (Psalm 107:10-11).
“Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known” (Matthew 10:26).
“And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness” (Ecclesiastes 2:13).
Someone needs to explain to me the attraction and wide-spread popularity of the Twilight series. I haven’t seen the movies or read the books, but I suspect it’s about the lure of darkness, the forbidden that masquerades as desireable. According to the author, a major theme is about choice.
The struggle between darkness and light in this life is an age-old problem from which no one is exempt. Can you point to those times that the choice was set clearly in front of you? Darkness or light? Can you remember the frustration, and accompanying fear, when you were on the receiving end of someone’s wicked plans?
At times like these, the only way to get past this cycle of darkness and light is to know the God of Light and follow Him. We can fool ourselves about our own darkness only so long. Our “misery and chains” will reveal themselves in several aspects of daily life, especially our relationships. Know what I mean?
On the other hand, when we bear the brunt of someone else’s darkness, we can be sure that same God of Light sees and knows. Another’s folly hurts, but someday what is now hidden will not stay hidden. This applies to personal struggles, and even more, widespread victimization. Light will overcome the darkness.
Living the Still Life is still possible in the worst of circumstances. Knowing the truth of these, and many other Scriptures, reinforces our resolve to trust even when we keep feeling the pain of the darkness around us. Light has overcome the darkness in Jesus Christ.
Give Me Jesus
An old Negro spiritual makes this point in such a haunting, poetic way. Say these words as a prayer when the darkness crowds in.
“In the morning, when I rise,
In the morning, when I rise,
In the morning, when I rise,
Give me Jesus.
Chorus: Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world, but give me Jesus.
When I am alone,
Oh, when I am alone,
Yes, when I am alone,
Give me Jesus.
(chorus)
And when I come to die,
When I come to die,
Lord, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.”
(chorus)
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