We love Jesus with all we are but still face the broken realities of living in a fallen world. But if we follow Jesus–the eternal Light, we won’t have to walk in darkness.
My best friend texted me today. Some of the best news to start my week: "A fun fact that may have some encouragement. Today is the earliest sunset of the year! Today's sunset is at 4:56, and tomorrow it's at 4:57! Yay!"
It might sound nonchalant or silly, but for those of us who struggle with darkness, oh what joy just a little bit of light can bring. I can sense God speaking that theme over my life. Specifically the past few weeks.
For two weeks now, I've been battling a rough cold on top of allergies. I didn't need a COVID test to tell me I was feeling crappy. But I felt down. Dark. Defeated. Discouraged. Hopeless without a way out. Lost in the bleak winter. Have you ever felt this way?
Winter blues are often inevitable to those of us who wish they lived in sunny-and-75 weather year-round. Nevertheless, the changing seasons and temperatures always present new lessons. New ways of thinking. Creative outlets for processing emotions and gleaming insight from it all.
1. Accept that Darkness Exists
Here's a lesson I've learned in the past week: we as Christians aren't exempt from darkness. Accepting this fact is hard and often troubles the soul. It's tempting to say that once Jesus enters our lives we won't struggle or face hardships. But that's a false prosperity Gospel—nothing further than what Jesus said.
The Good News is that accepting this fact, accepting that darkness is a part of our lives on this side of heaven, can welcome the light. It ushers in the sweetest and softest melody of goodness breaking forth.
John tells us that "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" (John 1:1-5). Even before the world existed, He did.
John furthers that for this reason, he was sent to prepare the way for this Light, and not only His entrance into the world but His possible acceptance into our hearts. "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light" (John 1:6-8). Light, the Light, would exist among the darkness. And that's reason to rejoice. But what does it mean practically?
John 1:9-13 pens these words: "The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God."
Especially in our present culture, I think many people know light exists. Every day begins with breaking dawn, and the nights can't last forever. Even during daylight savings, twelve and thirteen hours of darkness eventually dwindle to seven, eight, and nine as the seasons shift and change. But do we know the Light? Do we know the One who not only is the Light but brings light in all He says and does?
2. Make Sure You Know the Light
Christmas is a time when we remember the birth of Jesus. Jesus said that He is the Light: "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'” (John 8:12). With Jesus’ birth, we remember how light, the true Light, was coming into the world. Yet many don't know the difference between light and the Light. This is a challenge I encourage you to prioritize this season.
Today, we all experience darkness at times in our lives. Mental darkness. Physical darkness. Emotional and spiritual darkness. Even as the strongest or weakest of Christians. We all face these things. None are exempt.
Yet, be encouraged and know if you’re walking in darkness or stuck in a dark place, there is a light, and the darkness has not overcome that light. Remember during this time of year, a true Light has come into the world. Jesus shines in the darkness, and the darkness (anxiety, depression, etc.) has not overcome Him. And His Light, the Light, exists for all who choose to partake in a personal relationship with Him.
3. Embrace the Light Coming into the World, and Walk in It
In John 8:12-20, we read that Jesus is the Light of the World. If we follow Him, we won’t have to walk in darkness because we will have the light that leads to life. Christmas represents a time when Jesus, our Light, is birthed into the world.
From a mental health perspective, we will face periods of darkness. Depression, anxiety, and real physical and mental health struggles. My husband and I personally have and still do struggle with each of these things. And as Christians, we want to be clear about that. We love Jesus with all we are but still face the broken realities of living in a fallen world.
But if we follow Jesus–the eternal Light, we won’t have to walk in darkness. What does that mean?
Spiritual and physical darkness are often inevitable parts of life. When I’m in seasons of depression, pain, or anxiety, I often can’t find the light. It’s like wandering in a dark room looking for the light switch.
The Good News is that for those who follow Jesus, we have hope. Light, the Light. The Light of the World, He lives within us. So even amid our darkest places, when we can’t see or turn on the light, fear not. Light is with you. Within you. All around you.
I’ve heard it said that we wouldn’t know the power of light without darkness. Have you ever lit a match? Realized that without the darkness, you can’t see the light? Try it sometime. Light a match, turn off the light, and see that the flame isn’t present. Isn’t invisible to the human eye.
In the same way, know this: the darkness may last for now, but the break of dawn comes with each new morning.
Encouragement for Those Walking in Darkness
Why should this encourage us? Because even the Light of the World Himself faced the greatest time of darkness known to mankind. He didn’t fight it. He stayed in it. Abiding. Fully surrendered to the Father. Knowing Light was coming. Would come. Was already within Him.
I still face periods of grave anguish, suffering, and turmoil. I probably always will. Dark nights that often have no end. I know Jesus sees me and sits with me even there. Even when I can’t see or feel Him.
But Hallelujah! He already defeated eternal darkness (death), once and for all. I can look forward to an eternal home where darkness ceases to exist. Like a land of sunlight 24/7, 365 days a year. Never-ending. Forevermore. Over and over again. Amen.
Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we will face trouble on this side of heaven. But the Light gives us hope and strength by knowing someone’s been where we are and loves us enough to stay with us. Even there. In the darkness. Waiting for His Light to break forth.
“The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned" (Matthew 4:15-16).
This Christmas season, let Jesus shine in whatever darkness you are walking through. And be encouraged. You're never alone.
Agape, Amber
P.S. Check out a video of this blog here!
Photo Credit: ©Unsplash/Riccardo Mion
