“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”—John 8:12
After several days of cloudy and gloomy weather, especially during the winter months, it is not uncommon for some people to suffer from a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A milder version is known as the “winter blues,” which is thought to be caused by reduced exposure to sunlight. Conversely, isn’t the difference in a person’s mood when the sky finally clears and the light shines through impressive?
So, what is the state of your lighting on the path of your inner life? A little dim? A little too cloudy and opaque?
“I am the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
The apostle John wrote that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and that the darkness of this world cannot overcome Him. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Perhaps you are struggling to reach the full light of Jesus. Perhaps you have allowed certain things to block God’s light in your life. Perhaps busyness and preoccupations are weighing you down, or anger and unforgiveness are obstructing the light. Perhaps certain friends who do not share your values are darkening your path more than you want to admit and leading you to compromise; but you continue to let them lead you astray because they are long-time friends.
The world and its system do everything they can to keep us away from Jesus. That is why it is so important that you spend time alone with God reading His Word every day. The Scripture says, “Your words are a lamp for my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105). It will enlighten you, show you the right direction to follow in this dark world, and drive away gloom and discouragement. “For the word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12), it is full of power, which makes it operational, energizing, and effective. It is alive, powerful, and effective in changing your life because, as the apostle Paul says, “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16). The words in His book are not just any words, like those found in a self-help book or a newspaper. The words of the Bible are inspired by God Himself! When you spend time in the Word, you take His living words into your mind and develop your relationship with Him. If you store His Word in your heart, whether you feel it is relevant to you at the moment or not, God will bring it to life in you when you need it.
“The words of His Word are not just any words, like those found in a personal development book or in a newspaper.”
I want to challenge you to take thirty minutes today, and tomorrow, and the day after, to sit down and be with God and read His Word. Get rid of anything that blocks the light and let His Presence shine on you and illuminate your path. Don’t let anything stop you. By doing so on a daily basis, regardless of the external season, your soul will be at peace and in joy, for you will walk in the promise of His light.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the light of the world. You are my light. I need Your Word and Your voice. Guide me to You and fill me with Your holy Presence. Holy Spirit, I want to set aside time for You every day. Help me to do so, I pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
