Back in high school, I watched a scary movie one night while home alone. When I popped the video into the VCR, the only light in the room shown through the television screen. By the end of the movie, I had every light bulb in the entire house lit up — including the lights in the basement, attic, and closets. Sitting in a bright atmosphere made the experience bearable.
Today I’m 40-years-old and, at times, I’m still afraid of the dark. I feel vulnerable in any space void of light.
What terrifies me more than dark places are dark-decisions made by troubled people: The brand of evil that used human-filled airplanes as bombs on this day thirteen years ago; malignant teachings that mold monsters who broadcast the horrific executions of their victims; terrible acts of violence committed against children by various militant groups.
The Lord encourages us to not be afraid.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.”
– John 14:27
I remember that truth, yet I confess to moments when I shudder with both sadness and fear when I see evil acts committed. Whether the deeds come from terrorists, pedophiles, or school shooters, grief overwhelms my spirit and I’m afraid of what other atrocities will spring from darkness.
Then I remember that light overcomes the dark because Light overcame the blackest moment that shadowed humanity.
“The angel spoke to the women: “There is nothing to fear here. I know you’re looking for Jesus, the One they nailed to the cross. He is not here. He was raised, just as he said. Come and look at the place where he was placed.”
– Matthew 28:6 (MSG)
This message fills my heart even faster when I see light-bearers serving and shining amidst the gloom:
The men and women on Flight 93 who selflessly and courageously gave their lives to save thousands more
Members of an Amish community outpouring grace and love on the family of the gunman who killed five girls
Churches converting their fellowship halls and sanctuaries into shelters for hurricane victims
People opening up their homes to strangers during the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings
Thousands of volunteers collectively building houses each year to commemorate September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance
The light of Christ has the power to push away fear. With acts of love, God’s people can illuminate truth and serve also as a vivid reminder that victory is assured!
“You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”
– Matthew 5:14-16 MSG
Have you experienced moments when you felt God’s light chase away the fear? Please feel free to share them in the comment section below.
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Angela,
Amen to your reminder that Light will and has overcome the darkness. Looking back to the cross gives us the courage to go forward. I am convicted by the scripture calling me to shine and that by opening up to others, I will encourage others to open up with God, their Heavenly Father. We live in dark times, but if we are brave and don’t hide our lights under bushels, we can bring hope to the world through Christ. Thank you, this morning, for encouraging me to share the hope that is in me…together, if we all shine we can make a difference.
Blessings to you,
Bev
Hi Angela
I think this is an important message on a day like today when people are remembering the losses and fear they experienced on the 11th of September and were traumatized at the events of recent times in the Middle East. Just like those closets that needed the light bulbs on when you were in the other room, we need lights on in all the little places because they help us to realize the darkness is weak and the Light is always there when and wherever we need it the most.
Thank you for being the light in my attic in particular.
Love
M
Fred Rogers’ mother told him to look for the helpers when he saw scary things on the news as a child. Your post reminds me of this, of learning to look for the light shining in the darkness. Thanks for being a light, Angela.
“…light overcomes the dark because Light overcame the blackest moment that shadowed humanity.”
So powerful!
Thank you Angela for remembering the victims of 9/11. God’s light always shines. It knows no darkness.
And for that, I am eternally grateful.
“The light of Christ has the power to push away fear. With acts of love, God’s people can illuminate truth and serve also as a vivid reminder that victory is assured!” Love this reminder!
Thank you for sharing this with me. It’s the message I needed to hear at such a sad time for our family on the loss of my Uncle Darryl Taylor on that day. It feels like business as usual for many that did not suffer a loss on that day. Even at my sister’s school someone scheduled a lock down drill then quickly changed it. Light shines through…..such a powerful message and such a simple thing we take for granted. Hold your loved ones tight.
Thank you for this encouraging reminder that we are not to fear. Our Lord said these words more than any other “Do not fear”. He knows us… I ask for His peace and read His Word when the fear starts to come to my mind when reading news every day. The world is getting darker, but His light will shine ever brighter in this dark world. I believe He can use the evil in the world to direct us to Him and His Word and pray for many to come to know Him…before He comes back. It is getting closer and closer…that we all shall see Him!
Thank you God for being our protector and ‘shield’ today.
Bless you as you bless others!
Thank you for these words, and I pray they will lift many heavy hearts here today.
I also pray that the Light of Jesus in us will shine brighter!
Yes, I have seen God’s Light chase away fear,
In the eyes of compassionate friends as they walk with me through a fear filled journey.
In scripture as God gives me peace about a family member
In the outpouring of gifts, food and care on another family member in need, where fear of the future is incapacitating.
In the way I saw believers come along side someone in torment.
I want to always aim to share God’s Light
Thank-you for writing this.;
Thank you Angela. May I shine God brighter and brighter to this sin craved world! I pray that my actions would display Christ to everyone I come in contact with!
Let’s all be light-shiners! Illuminating this world and eliminating some of the dark places!