Light Dispels the Darkness ~ Stacey Gilbert

A while back my family came to visit us in Montana, so we took this opportunity to take them to Yellowstone National Park to see the sights. That night we stayed in a cabin where my daughter and I shared a room together. As we turned off all the lights and lay down to get some sleep, my little girl started to panic! She cried and clung to me convinced that someone or something was behind the closet door. No matter how much I tried to comfort her, the anxiety only grew worse.

Finally, I found a nightlight from another room and that shed some light on the darkness. This worked, and she drifted off into a restful sleep as her fears and anxiety melted away.

As I lay there thinking about what had just transpired, I was reminded that fear often grows in the dark places of uncertainty and doubt. In my own life as a mom and pastor’s wife, I struggle with worrying over the uncertainty of the future my children will face, the future of the ministry, and relationships with people.

Worrying about things just comes as second nature to some of us, but to dwell on those fears is sin, and can often paralyze us and prevent us from doing what God is calling us to do. It’s helpful to realize that God hasn’t left us without a light this dark world.

In John 8:12 Jesus said “...I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

To walk with Christ is to walk in light, and to walk in light is to be in the Word.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path.” Ps 119:105

His Word is a light revealing His presence, His promises, and His peace.

As it dispels the darkness of fear, it illuminates truth that calms the troubled heart, strengthens the weary soul, and gives courage for each new day.

Ps 23: 4 says, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me.”

The shadows may be dark and frightening, but just like that nightlight, God’s presence drives away the terror that darkness tries to bring, allowing us to find rest in Him.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10