His light shines even in the dark

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.~2 Corinthians 4:6

Sometimes it feels like I am surrounded by darkness.  As if, by design, someone is trying to draw me deep into a cave of despair.  Truth, it is by design, the design of the enemy.  Make no mistake, the enemy is seeks to kill and destroy (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8) but Jesus came that we might have life.  And not just any life, but an abundant life ( John 10:10). Therefore, when I see the truth of God, when I hear Him declare that the light shine out of the darkness ( 2 Corinthians 4:6), my hope is renewed and my faith strengthened.  It is renewed because His light causes the stars of truth to shine bright in the dark places.  I am able to see His good works and glorify Him.

I am encouraged because the depression and diseases are being used to shatter this jar of clay so that His power may be revealed.  ( 2 Corinthians 4:7).  It is His power that conquers the enemy.  His power that illuminates that dispels the darkness so that I can see His face.  His power that draws me out of the isolation of the cave of self-pity and despair.  His power that causes me to see the tactics of the enemy, to get up and put on His Armor.

It is His power that keeps me from being crushed when I pressed on every side ( 2 Corinthians 4:8).

It is the power of His love that does not consume me and offers me brand new mercies each and every morning. Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.~Lamentations 3:22-23

His love causes me not to lose heart even when I want to just say I am done.  His light in me spurs me forward and keeps my hand at the plow.  His light shines in the darkness moves my my heart to look beyond these momentary afflictions. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.(2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

Father, I thank You for your open arms of love and grace.  I thank You for meeting me where I am.  I thank You for the victory over every sickness and disease.  I thank You Father for not abandoning me as I walk through this shadow of life.  Thank You for being that constant light and for your light that shines through the body of Christ; all the many women and men who pray for me. Those who comfort me as You have comforted them.  I thank You for your precious Son Jesus and the Spirit that lives within.  Write your truth on my heart.  May I meditate on it so that flame shines bright in the darkest of times. And Father I pray for others who battle with depression and disease.  By your stripes we are healed.  In Jesus name. Amen