It’s getting dark very early these days. Even the days seem gloomy. We yearn to have more light. We try to get rid of darkness by putting up Christmas lights. But no amount of Christmas lighting can take away darkness of our lives. Only God can do that.

Psalm 36 verse 9 has been giving me comfort and perspective as it gets darker and darker around us:

For you are the fountain of life,
    the light by which we see.
(Psalm 36:9, NLT)

God is life and the giver of life.
God is light and the giver of light.

That’s why it doesn’t matter how dark it is outside. The most important thing in our lives is God. When we abide in Christ, we bask in Light. And all is well.

The physical darkness is not the only darkness we fight these days. Darkness of sin has even more powerful pressure on us than this time of year ever could. But God has the answer for both problems. God defeated darkness by sending his only son into the world.

The people who sat (dwelt enveloped) in darkness have seen a great Light, and for those who sat in the land and shadow of death Light has dawned. (Matthew 4:16, AMP)

Because of Jesus we can be redeemed by grace. Because of Jesus the weight of sin can be lifted off our shoulders. This is the message of Christianity. Our sins can be washed away by God’s grace. We only need to ask. And then continually live in this light.

If we loose track of God-Light, we do get desperate. Darkness around us and inside of our hearts browbeat us easily if we do not hold on to God. But darkness does not have a chance against God-Light. We are safe in Jesus. We feel light and see light – even in darkness – when we are one with God.

Love God, all you saints;
    God takes care of all who stay close to him.
(Psalm 31:12a, MSG)

Gracious God,
Thank you for having an answer for darkness: Jesus.
Thank you for taking care of all who stay close to you.
Shine on us, Lord!
Drive out all darkness inside of us.
Brighten our days with your Light!
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Do you struggle with darkness?

Be blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you bask in His Light!

Photo courtesy of Timothy Lester, design Mari-Anna Stålnacke. Linking up today with Sharing His Beauty, Unforced Rhythms, Playdates with God.