Let There Be Light

by John Michalak

Those ransomed by the LORD will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Isaiah 51:11

We give too much credit to the darkness.

Of course, some days are dark. We face unexpected disappointments. We struggle with job stress and taking care of our family. We turn on the news and see nothing but negativity and violence. But, the darkness, while certainly worthy of our respect, shouldn’t be given permission to overcome our hearts and minds.

Isaiah spoke to a people who were facing darkness: exiled from their homeland and from God’s presence and protection. But while Isaiah respected the darkness, he didn’t consider it more powerful than the God of all light and love. No matter how dark things got in Isaiah’s day, he knew the light of God would restore the hearts of the broken.

How much credit do you give to the darkness? Don’t ignore it. Be aware, like you would with an aggressive dog behind a backyard fence. But, neither let the darkness bind you with unnecessary fear.

In God’s first words over creation, we can learn our response: let there be light. No matter how dark your world can get, the light of God will shine on you if you let it. And all sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Lord, help me believe that Your light will always overcome the darkness around me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen