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Finding God’s Light as the Days Grow Darker

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life '” (NIV). - John 8:12

SOMETHING TO PONDER

When I was in high school, my mom and I decided to go to Kings Island for a three-day concert. If you’re unfamiliar, Kings Island is an amusement park located in Mason, Ohio. It’s known for its thrilling coasters, stunning shows, and of course, blue ice cream.

The first two days of the trip were magical. Mom and I spent our days smiling, laughing, and meeting new people in the lines. But on the third day, a huge storm blew across the park, dropping the weather from sunny and just over one hundred to sixty-five and cloudy. Some people like cooler temperatures; I’m not one of those individuals.

As the storm swirled around us, the concert was canceled as we huddled in the park’s safety storm area. After what felt like hours inside a cramped space with thousands of others, Mom and I made our way back to our hotel. We were gravely disappointed to learn that the resort had also been affected by the storm. Not only had they lost power, but everyone was locked out of their rooms. It was dark, raining so hard we couldn’t see, and late.

Exhausted, we paced in the lobby until, finally, the doors were unlocked. The good news? We could sleep in our rooms. The bad news? None of the locks worked because the power was still off. I’ll never forget attempting to get some shut-eye that night in the pitch-black that surrounded me. I was fearful, anxious, and riddled with what-if scenarios.  

When darkness surrounds us, it’s hard to see the light. Not just physically, but spiritually. But on that night when we couldn’t see or sleep a wink, one thing brought me immense comfort: I wasn’t alone. Not only was my Mom beside me, but I knew that everyone else in the building was in the same predicament. And Jesus? He was guarding that door.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (NIV). These words matter greatly, but I think they’re often horribly misunderstood. As Christians, we will face dark times. We’re not exempt from hardship, calamity, pain, or sorrow. But with Jesus, the Light of Life lives within us. We’re rescued from eternal darkness and damnation. Praise God.

Sometime in the middle of that night, the power came back on. We weren’t aware, but I think that’s how most light works. We don’t realize it until we need it, and we eternally need the Light of Life present, active, and flipped to “on” in us. Do you need to remember that light?

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

Life is full of so many hard moments. From calamity to just being human in a fallen world, I’m tired of navigating dark days and darker nights. When I’m tempted to throw in the towel, please remind me of the light. Help me not to give up, but to look to you. Be light in the dark and my source of strength when I’m weak. Have your way in me, reminding me that while hard times will still come, you’re ever with me and I’m grateful. You are the Light of the World. I love, praise, and thank you, Jesus. Amen.

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. Journal about your darkest time. Then, read John 8:12. How does God bring light to our darkness?

2. Commit John 8:12 to memory. The next time you’re feeling down or overwhelmed, bring this Scripture to mind. If someone you know is also struggling, take the time to encourage them with this verse.

3. How does light contrast with darkness? Make a T-chart putting verses on one side and hurts on the other. Look at how God’s presence combats even the most difficult times by choosing to be with us forever.

Agape, Amber

Reflect on tonight’s prayer and share how God met you there. Join the Your Nightly Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.

Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Siri Stafford

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.

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