“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46
Let’s start with a disclaimer.
When I opened my laptop, I honestly had no idea what this post would be about today.
I prayed about what to write.
I thought about direction, because I need that from God right now.
I didn’t intend to title this “Light at the End of the Tunnel”.
But when I began typing, my fingers got away from me.
Almost like they were possessed.
I think the Holy Spirit was answering my prayer.
As I travel this uncertain journey of life, sometimes it feels like a dark tunnel. There are twists and turns along the way, and I’m not sure which way to go.
I need God’s light to get me through the dark places.
If I look toward God, His light illuminates the path in front of me.
If I turn away from God, His light is behind me,
obstructed by the darkness of my own shadow.
Think about that.
Turning my back on God is looking into darkness.
Trying to find my own way leaves God behind as I look at my own dark shadow.
And yet….
I can’t see beyond the next bend.
God only lets me see a few steps ahead. Because that’s all I need to see right now.
He wants me to look for His glimmer of light, and trust Him.
In the big picture, I do trust Him.
But in the day to day, I wonder what’s going to happen and how to protect myself.
Anxiety takes over and my gaze veers gradually right or slightly left instead of focusing on God.
That’s where I get into trouble.
While God remains in my peripheral vision, my focus isn’t centered on Him.
I try to figure things out on my own. I look for possibilities and aim to dodge potholes.
In my foolishness, I even try predict the future.
I read news articles and economic reports that rely on human – quote – ‘wisdom’.
And I think I’m so smart. Ha! That’s a big laugh. By now, I ought to know better.
Taking my eyes off the light of the Lord has me looking into the dark edges of this tunnel.
Where I look is where I go.
Lurking in that darkness, spiders weave webs of deceit and snakes coil, ready to strike.
If I veer to the right or the left, danger and darkness engulf me.
I am wounded and slam into the wall.
Or worse, I travel down a dark dead end that leads to a treacherous pit.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said,
‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness,
but will have the light of life.’” John 8:12
I must look toward the light to avoid rats scurrying in the corners and bats swooping overhead.
I move forward, toward the light at the end of the tunnel.
I center my focus solely on God.
I seek His presence in prayer. I seek His word for wisdom. I seek His voice in still silence.
“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10
Because God is good. God is powerful. And God is sovereign.
He sees all, knows all, and has almighty power to accomplish His good purpose for me.
My God is the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path.” Psalms 119:105
All honor and praise and glory be to You, O Lord. Help me center my focus on You, not looking to the left or to the right. Help me not try to figure it all out, but rely solely on You. You alone are trustworthy. You are the light of the world. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
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