Light of Life

I was standing at the edge a pond. It looked dark and murky, with a layer of silt covering the bot-tom. I took a stick and began to stir the water, swirling it around. It became cloudy as the sediment was churned up, and the more I stirred the darker it became. I watched for a while until the water settled. The darkness lurking under the surface now appeared to get darker in its intensity, as dark-ness breeds darkness.

Overhead the sun was shining brightly, casting its warm light over the surrounding hills. All was quiet and peaceful except for the occasional bleating of a sheep, while streaks of white cloud drift-ed across the pale blue sky. As the water became calm again, a reflection of the sun appeared on the surface of the pond, but underneath it was still dark and foreboding.

I had a choice. I could focus my attention on the murky water, dismal and depressing as it was, or I could look up. A distorted image can often appear in the darkness, masquerading as truth. But I looked up, away from the darkness towards the light.

The sun doesn’t go away. It may be hidden by clouds from time to time, and regularly sinks below the horizon at night, but we know it will always be there, always shining. Eventually, the mud and silt will sink to the bottom of the pond and the water will become clear again.

Let us look up to that which is true and dependable, not elusive like doubts or fears hiding in the shadows. The love of the Lord is constant, no matter how murky the water may become. We need to adjust our vision towards the living truth, which is not dark or stagnant, but alive and vibrant, patiently waiting to be invited into our lives. The light shines constantly, and when directed towards the darkness, the darkness must go. It has no option. Darkness cannot hide from the light. It be-comes a mere shadow, and disappears.

I looked around. As my eyes began to refocus and take in my surroundings, I could now see the wider picture. There was space and light and peace. My vision was not distorted by doubts, but open to the truth. I had freedom to choose which way I should go, and whichever way I chose, I knew He would be with me. His guiding hand would lead me, and I would be safe.

Let’s not stir up the murky water of uncertainty and doubt to see how dark it can get. Allow the water to settle, and see the sun reflected on the surface. Then we can look up to His presence and see the truth.

Our hope is not on the darkness of this world, but in Jesus, the light of life.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You are the living truth. You are trustworthy and dependable. Please forgive me if I have allowed myself to be swayed by the darkness and drawn into deception and doubt. My hope is in You, Lord, and my destiny is in Your hands. Help me to step away from the darkness and into the Light of Life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.