Today we read the second in a series about light during this season of Epiphany. "LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS" talks about our darknesses, and the Light that was present before the beginning of the world. May your week be filled with Light and love.
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS"
by
Jan Andersen
When we are in total darkness, we cannot see anything. Different colors mean nothing. Silent dangers cannot be avoided if they are not felt in some way or there is no assistance by someone or something else to guide us. Quiet, safe spaces cannot be sought out either when there is no eyesight. We can become lost, perhaps even paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Depression can set in as we feel the insecurity and disorientation of being vulnerable with no protection and the uncertainty of not knowing which way to turn.
But when even just a little crack of light filters around a door, or the stars in the sky illuminate our path even just a tiny bit, our eyes start to adjust. Soon we can make out the shapes of objects, see darker and lighter areas ahead, and find our way with some direction. Even better is when we can take hold of a light in our hands, like a candle or a flashlight. Then the light moves right along with us, leading the way, helping us discern dangerous versus safe pathways. No matter how dark it was, even the tiniest glimmer can guide us.
Darkness in our lives can be difficult days, health challenges, or loss of loved ones. It can also be choices we’ve made that were not the best or our natural tendency to sin. Sometimes, it is evil in this world that intersects with our lives, from individuals to entire groups who inflict physical, emotional and spiritual pain on us. We may become paralyzed by fear or depressed by our circumstances. Clinical depression itself may even be our darkness.
God knew when he created this world that we would encounter darkness. From the very beginning He also provided a way out of that darkness through the light of men and gives us spiritual illumination. Before we were created, a way out of darkness was planned. The second person of the Trinity was right there with God and was God, and He continues to be with us.
John 1:1-5 ESV. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
If you are struggling with darkness, know that God understands and has sent His Light, Jesus, into the world for you. He will guide you through the darkness, illuminating your path, protecting you from the evil one, and giving you the free gift of salvation. All you need to do is remain faithful in Him!
Dear God in heaven, we thank you for knowing how much we would need your Son even from before the creation of the world. Thank you for sending your Light into the world to overcome darkness. Forgive us when we do wrong, and when we do not put our whole trust in You. Guide us by Your Light and help us to remain faithful to the end. In the name of Jesus, the light of the world, who with You and the Holy Spirit reign in heaven. Amen.
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Song:
IN THE BEGINNING
by Joel Payne
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IN THE BEGINNING
by Joel Payne
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you
by the Devotional Writers and the Monthly Writing Staff
of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers:
Jan Andersen, Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Karen Bennett,
Bre Miller, Cathy Friberg, and Corinne Mustafa
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez
Elizabeth McElderry, Betty Espindola, Lynda Kinnard
Amie Spruiell, and Debbie Rodriguez
Occasional Contributors:
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker, Beverley Napier,
Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,
Kelly Dobyns, Glenna Williamson,
Amie Spruiell, and Lisabeth Lipp.
Thank you Jan! You do a great job in your lessons and applications. When we are sick, depressed, grieving, we always long for the light in the darkness.
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