Sometimes after Christmas, the whole world seems to let out a deep sigh of resignation to the coming winter and the passing of the holiday season. It can be a dreary time for many, especially this year, as so many issues continue to drag on around the world. This year for many has been a long, dreary one to begin with, and yet the transition to the new year will not instantly change all of that. We may be excited to see this year pass on, but the change of circumstance may still be some time off.
I cracked a bit of a smile last month when God reminded me of how His word for me this year was “Follow.” I realized that the reason for this was because most of the year I had no idea what was coming next or what I should do, so I simply had to follow as He led. He kept bringing Isaiah 30:21 to me, where He says a voice behind us will call out right or left as we walk. And I kept thinking that I’d love a little more of a heads-up when it comes to directions than just a quick word right as I should be making a turn! But that’s walking moment-by-moment with Him, and there is a sweetness to recognizing His love in directing our steps. He truly has led in love and faithfulness this year, and it has been peaceful (although not always easy) to follow.
This coming year, I have received the phrase “Light in Darkness” and am eager to see how God will bring that about. There is something so significant about light to God. The first words He spoke in creating the world were “Let there be Light!” And He calls Jesus the Light of the world, and also us as believers. Darkness cannot remain when a light enters a room. It must flee. I wonder how often I have tried to drive out darkness in so many different ways, when all I needed to do was bring the Light. And we always have Light—for He dwells within us, shining through all our cracks to bring Light to darkness.
The world feels very dark these days—disease, death, abuse, violence, anger, destruction, pain. But whenever you go without God, you have darkness. We are not getting better and more enlightened as we get smarter or less dependent. We are just becoming more blind. So, bring the Light. Whatever darkness is in your life, whatever pain, whatever hardship—bring the Light to it and watch what He will do. Sometimes all a person needs is to see the light of hope ahead, and they can keep going. You don’t have to manufacture this. Just let your Light shine, and the darkness must flee.
You have all you need for today in the One who indwells you. Invite Him into the mess—don’t try to clean it up first. We don’t brighten a dark room before bringing a light into it—the purpose of the light is to allow us to see! Bring the Light to the your darkness, waiting with expectation for His love to be revealed.
I will walk the blind by an unknown way and guide them on paths they’ve never traveled.
I will smooth their difficult road and make their dark mysteries bright with light. These are things I will do for them, for I will never abandon my beloved ones. Isaiah 42:16