The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

~John 1:5 NIV

The bears gained on me. I ran as hard as my three-year-old legs could go, barely keeping ahead of their big teeth and scary claws. In the darkness, I screamed, “Daddy! Help me!”

Suddenly light flooded my bedroom, and I felt strong arms hug me close. “There aren’t any bears, sweetheart. You had a bad dream,” Daddy assured me, as he dried my tears. I fell asleep in his arms, knowing I was secure and that no bears would harm me because my daddy was there with me.

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 ESV

Just as I called out to my father to protect me when I was a child, I have since learned to call out to my heavenly Father. He protects, sustains, and comforts me, and He is always with me. No matter what comes our way or threatens our well-being, God meets every need in our lives through His love, mercy, and grace. We find light in the Lord. 

God will never abandon us to darkness if we follow Him. As His followers, He has given us the light of life. We can live victoriously in our Christian walk when we place our security in God and not in the false security of the world. As we serve God by serving others, we often seek new ways to serve Him. We find that we learn to love others more and, in doing so, learn to serve them better.

You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord, so live your life as children of light. Light produces fruit that consists of every sort of goodness, justice, and truth.

~Ephesians 5:8-9 CEB

How wonderful it is that we can be children of Light. Once we make the life-changing decision to accept Jesus’s free gift of salvation and follow Him, we never have to walk in darkness again. He said we have the light of life. What comfort that gives us and what assurance we gain when we know our Lord leads us.

The light of Jesus shines through us, helping us to produce fruit. So, just as light helps fruit grow in our gardens – good things like strawberries or watermelons – the light of the Lord produces fruit. His light consists of every kind of goodness, justice, and truth. In fact, we are known for our fruits.

When we consider the nature of God, goodness comes to mind. This aspect is one of the basics of the Christian faith. Everything He does for us is for our good and His glory. The gift of salvation is a good gift. Not only is God’s goodness reflected in Jesus’s death on the cross, but His incredible mercy is also evident.

We have excellent opportunities daily to shine His light so others can be drawn to Jesus. We show goodness when we go out of our way to call someone who is homebound and lonely or to text them to let them know we are praying for them and want to help. Reaching out to others is an excellent way to shine the light of Jesus.

Another product of God’s light is justice. He is a just God. He expects it to be important to us, as well. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of what is right, what is wrong, and how to live justly. Living in the light of Jesus means we must know Him and learn what is important to Him. As children of light, we should follow Jesus’ example and treat others with mercy and justice. This also gives us an opportunity to bless them.

We must also shine God’s truth. Many people have a mistaken belief that truth is open for interpretation. They believe that truth for one person is not necessarily truth for everybody. Jesus defined truth as God’s Word. As children of light, we are called to be truthful. Someone once said, “The truth may not be what we want to hear, but it’s still the truth.”

I am thankful for God’s protection, love, and care. Knowing He is beside us in all situations should encourage us to depend on Him only. We can produce fruit consisting of goodness, justice, and truth.

As children of the light of Jesus Christ, we can let our light shine in the darkness, and the darkness can never overcome it. Therefore, we do not have to fear the bears the enemy sends into our lives. Jesus has overcome them.

List some ways you can exhibit justice to others.

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the light. You are here whenever I call on You, whether in desperation or thanksgiving. Give me the desire to share Your love with the world. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2021: Light in the Lord: Evelyn Mason Wells: All Rights Reserved