by Barbara Latta
Darkness draws us toward light. The pursuit of God will
propel us toward His light and conquer the darkness that may be attacking our
souls. The key is to continue the pursuit.
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How to conquer the darkness that attacks your soul
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Several years ago my husband and I toured some caverns in a
national park. The stalactites and stalagmites were impressive and the constant
dripping of water told the story of how these rock columns were formed. When
all the tourists were in place, the park ranger told everyone to be perfectly
still. He turned out the light and the darkness that pervaded the space was as black as ink. Nothing could be seen, not even my hand one inch
from my face. The thought shot through my mind that without light we couldn’t
get out of this hole in the ground. After a few seconds of total darkness panic
had almost set in. Soon the guide clicked on multi-colored lights that had been
strategically placed inside the cave and the moist cavern walls reflected the
light like a rainbow. Sighs of relief were heard through the group as the
lights came on. This darkness had been physically felt. The bodies in the cave
wanted to pursue light.
But there is another kind of darkness we all experience at
one time or another in our spiritual lives and that is condemnation and guilt.
When guilt weighs us down it can feel like we are in a dark cave with no hope
of finding light again. Hopelessness and depression are anchors holding us
captive to the pain of past sins and failures.
Because humans were not created to like darkness, other than
for sleep, we try to avoid the absence of light unless we are trying to hide.
Sin causes us to want to shun anything that exposes the deeds, but it also
brings blackness to the soul. The God-shaped void will always drive a person
toward a solution to get out of the pain caused by disobeying Him, but poor
choices lead to more darkness rather than the sought after relief.
The answer for this darkness is the pursuit of the Word of
God. He tells us “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path” (Psalm
119:105 NIV). When we meditate on what God says about us and ignore condemning
thoughts, a rainbow of hope shines on our hearts and the heaviness of
condemnation is lifted.
When we are in a dark room even a pin hole of light can lead
us to the way out. Once we have found the door, we can let in more light.
Likewise, the more of the Word of God we put into our minds, the more we walk
out of the darkness that plagues us and we are released out of the prison.
Condemnation and guilt were buried in a dark cavern with
Jesus. Our part is to leave them buried there and remember that resurrection
made light win over darkness. Continue
the pursuit of God’s light to keep the darkness at bay.
Which scriptures show you God’s light? Share your thoughts.
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