The environment of today provides little opportunity toward instilling hope for a joyful day. It might even provoke a remark like, “There is so much darkness in the world today.” Although I may tend to agree with such a remark, I would do so with an air of caution. By some intellectual definitions, darkness implies the “absence or near absence of light.” ¹ Others include references to people of color, a depressive or gloomy state, and evil. What darkness is not, is a race of people. You see, darkness has always been around since the beginning of creation. It is written that “darkness covered the earth.” But the moment God said, “Let there be light,” everything changed. He saw that “the light was good.” For darkness to continue its existence, it was separated from the light. After this separation, there was “day” and “night.” Throughout history, mankind has faced situations that would be considered dark. Examples are parts of Biblical history, epic battles in American history, wars between countries, racial strife, political contention, disease, and environmental crises. Even books written for children and cartoons have always had their dark scenes. Today we are bombarded with bleak situations that have an almost eerie-like familiarity with our historical roots. Some of them may seem like new additions. However, they are still the ghosts that existed in the past, perhaps flourishing more now through greater aggressive and technological opportunities for exposure. Despite these dark circumstances, here we are, still breathing, learning, and enjoying. Among all of the darkness that may exist, there is one critical piece of the life story you will not want to overlook. God created the light from darkness by speaking it into existence. There was only one source, but once God separated the light from the darkness, there was day and night. God created independent existence once he separated the darkness from light. Within each of us, the power exists to switch on the light that God said was “good.” We are an independent source that does not have to be controlled by the darkness. The Bible defines those who know the Lord as “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) Earlier, I mentioned I might agree with a particular remark with caution concerning darkness. This is because I remember that part of my light source is my tongue. “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21). God spoke light into existence. Be careful to speak life and light when you encounter darkness. Instead of being a prisoner to the various negative outlets (smartphones, television, print media, journalism, etc.), let the light within you rule. Inspirational books and music, inspiring stories, and your smile are a few of your offensive and defensive moves against darkness. As is the case with many personal things in life, we must take individual responsibility for bringing our light into the circumstances to squash the darkness. ¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/darkness
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Archives
October 2024
Categories |