Three Steps to Finding Light in the Darkness

Did you know a lighthouse itself doesn’t illuminate anything around it? In fact, the island where the lighthouse sits gets none of the brilliance. All of the light goes out to sea. The man who cares for the lighthouse doesn’t see the ships in need of saving. He can never see where the light is going as he sits in his darkness.

During this season of Christmas, do you find yourself surrounded by darkness? Maybe it is full of fear, anxiety, or depression. Maybe family relationships are strained, so the holidays are only filled with bitterness and strife. Darkness seems to permeate our world. Wintertime is harsh with cold and snow. Even in the sunshine, the air is bitter. Night is never meant to last forever, though.

Light is the first thing God created. Not the sun. Or the moon and stars. Light itself was created from the darkness. And God spoke it into being. From the beginning God desired to bring light to the darkness.

In the Old Testament we find promises of a coming Messiah. A light to shine into our dark world full of sin. And for so many years God was silent, but light suddenly burst forth! Jesus, who came to earth to show us the Father, is the Light of the World.

Darkness seems to pull out the light. It seems to pull out the good and right. So we are left empty. Doesn’t darkness seem empty? So how to do we stay rooted in truth, even when the stars are blotted out?

Truth. I speak a lot about God’s Word and hiding truth in our hearts. But if I’m honest. Truth doesn’t seem to just find me when I’m feeling down. Truth isn’t the loudest voice in my head during times of darkness. In fact, lies are pretty convincing when it comes to depression.

You will always be alone.
No one loves you.
God has forgotten you.
Everything is going wrong.
Everyone has turned against you.

When David wrote Psalm 3, he found the same lies plaguing his heart. His beloved son was in the process of overthrowing the throne and David had to flee his home. On the run from his murderous son, he wrote Psalm 3. It says….

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah. But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.

So how did David find hope in the middle of his darkness?