a little bit of light

I've been running in the early morning darkness most of the summer.  My 1970's era neighborhood does not have enough street lights, in my opinion, but I wear a reflective vest and carry a flashlight.  It's not a ginormous 4 D cell maglite.  It fits nicely in my hand, doesn't weigh much, and has an LED bulb that illuminates the next 3 or 4 steps ahead, but a little bit of light makes a huge difference.

I was thinking about the impact a little bit of light has in the darkness as I ran this morning.  In the natural world, one light house can guide ships safely to the shore.  One candle can light up a room.  A campfire illuminates the entire campsite.  The light from one small flashlight keeps me safely running, even though darkness still surrounds me.

The same is true spiritually.  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)  "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness."  (John 12:46)  We who are Christians have the Light living inside of us and Jesus said we need to let Him shine in the darkness of this world.   "You are the light of the world...let your light shine before men..."  (Matthew 5:14-15)

We are living in a world where the darkness seems overwhelming.  Fear, anxiety, depression, and suicide are rampant and the devil is doing his best to convince us that no amount of light can pierce through the darkness.  It's a lie...don't believe it!  Jesus is THE Light.  Let Him shine in and through you, wherever you are!  A little bit of light brings hope in the darkness!