by Kala Loptien

This Little Light

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking the Sound Cloud link.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 New International Version

Our little girl is scared of the dark. I can relate in some ways. I too feared the unknown silence of nothingness. There are times I still do! Unlike the majority of my irrational fears, though, my sweet child faced real threats in the darkest nights of her former life. What we know of her story is heart-wrenching. What we don’t know is almost worse.

At night time, she fears the basement. Though her playroom is there, and she often leaves the things she “needs” in the shadowy abyss of our lower level, she freezes at the thought of having to face it. We’ve encouraged conquering fears. We’ve brainstormed ideas like toting a stuffie friend, taking a fun flashlight or just sprinting to the light switch. What we’ve discovered in this particular phase is that she just wants – scratch that – needs us with her.

The fear of darkness is an ongoing battle as we navigate life in this world. Past experiences can lead to trepidation and fear of the future. Our present trials might instill doubt or even anger. The unknown road up ahead can create an anxious, consumed mind. Feeling unsettled and afraid can leave us stranded. The enemy loves to see us stuck, isolated and defeated. But praise God, that’s not how the story goes. Jesus has already defeated death and the devil. God promises to never leave or forsake us. Not for a single second have we been alone. The darkness of our pasts, our sins, trials and fears will forever be illuminated by the conqueror and hero of our story. We can run away from what lies behind and into what’s ahead with the confidence that our Savior will hold our hand and light our path.

As we talked about this very message with our girl the other night, we ended with a familiar song. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” You’ve got this because He’s got this. Let your light shine.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado