Is there anything more frightening than the dark? For many people, their first childhood fear was centered upon what lurked in the closet at bedtime, or maybe what lay in wait under the bed. The Boogie Man, various monsters, things built from frightened imaginations became the resident villains of the night.
The problem, of course, is the inability to see clearly into the areas of the room where beast and monster may dwell hidden while the light is on, waiting for the lights to go off and create the opportune time to pounce from out of the darkness. The senses begin to play tricks on the mind, ‘what was that?’ is asked (silently) as the floor creaks.
In this moment most will succumb to paralysis, often choosing to hide under the sheets, even going as far as fearing to cut the lights on and see what really is there. Have you ever experienced this for yourself?
Do you still have fears of the dark? I’m thinking most adults would answer “no” to that question. But I bet that if you were taken into the swamp to camp in a hammock alone without a light, the bravery might just give way to outright fear! Of course all that would change if you are given a big ol’ bright flashlight, or even better, a flashlight and a big ol’ fire! That way you could see everything that is around you, and seeing what is around you eliminates the unknown, for it is the fear of the unknown that is the worst fear of all.
Our faith can be consumed with fear when we experience the darkness of the world in which we live. A darkness that comes from emotional hurt, physical illness, spiritual weakness, etc. Darkness that can consume our imaginations and paralyze us in fear. But true love casts out all fear, and we are taught in Scripture that Jesus Christ is the Light of the world (in Him there is no darkness at all, did you hear it sung?). But being taught it, and believing it are not one in the same.
When we surrender our lives to Jesus, He becomes the guiding Light of our walk as we sojourn through this life. Through His Spirit we are illuminated within, and without, such that the world becomes more clearly understood, and the path ahead becomes defined. The fears of this life disappear, because we know that the Light will bring us through the valley of the shadow of death, so we fear no evil.
What frightens you? Have you called upon the Light for help, guidance, clarity, and assistance? Today we pray this first verse of the 27th Psalm (and I encourage you to take it all to heart for your walk to be illuminated today):
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (KJV)
Christ Jesus our Lord, Light of the world, illuminate our hearts to see Your presence, love, and protection! Set us free from all fear, as we do put our trust in Thee! AMEN.