Our Lenten Journey... When we encounter darkness

---

​The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it. ~ John 1:5

One of the struggles that we face is when we realize just how much darkness that there is in the world.

I don't really ever remember being afraid of the dark.  Most children when they're growing up will have a night light, or will ask to keep a hallway light on, so that whatever might be in the dark can be illuminated.

Jesus tells us that HE is the light.  That not only is Jesus the Light, but is the Light of the World.

One of the things that I enjoy is going out to the Bay and just sitting.  Galveston Bay has so many sounds at night.  The occasional moan of a ship as it passes another in the Houston Ship Channel.  Every now and then a bird announces it's arrival, and the ebb and flow of waves reaching the shore, and surrendering their power to the land.

There are all kinds of objects that lie along the shore.  Oh, there are shells, pieces of seaweed, and the occasional jelly fish you must watch for, but then there are unnatural things as well.  Man made items that have been carelessly thrown away that also wash upon the shore.

For me, it doesn't matter if there is light or darkness along the shoreline, it always seems to be a place where I find peace, and whatever darkness that may be in my life, seems to be overcome by light that dwells within.

They say that the flame of a small candle can give light to an entire room.  I wish that the same could be said about our ability to dissolve darkness or dark times in our lives.

If the darkness cannot overcome the light, then why do bad things happen to good people?  

There are some things that just happen.  We don't always know the intentions of others, and because of that, sometimes the darkness seems to have established itself, and seems to hold firm.

The truth is, the light will never be overcome.  Ever!  

For any of us, sitting within the darkness of the night, we know that within hours the sun will rise in the east,  and that all things will clearly be seen and known.

I must continue to trust in that truth, and continue to believe that God's light will prevail, and that this darkness that I am experiencing is a dark period, and not complete darkness.

Praying that we all discover ways to clearly walk in the light, and share that light with others.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

---

Dear God, even when we seem to encounter nothing but darkness, may we be reminded that within each of us we possess the Light of the World.  
​Thank You for being that Light!  Amen!

---