Often, when things are tough in our life, darkness starts to envelope us….we call it depression. How can we beat back this darkness? The first step is to continually seek the presence of Jesus in our lives. This, I believe, is the best cure for depression. I also believe that it is also never wrong to seek the medical help and to ask Jesus to use it to help heal us.
Jesus is the light we need in our lives that pushes away the darkness….and when we become the light of Jesus….we not only drive away the darkness in our lives but in the lives of others around us also! Learn to be the light………..
John 8:12(NIV)
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.”
I found it interesting that when Jesus uttered these words, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”, He was actually in the temple courts (John 8:20) that contained huge torches to symbolize the pillar of fire that led God’s people through the wilderness. You see….Jesus is surely in the Old Testament.
These pillars of fire in the wilderness, just like Jesus, were God’s presence, protection and guidance to His children. Indeed…….to you and me! Indeed….Jesus IS the light of the world!
Exodus 13:21-22 (NIV)
21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
As we follow Him, He tells us that we are then “The light of this this world”. We “reflect” His light in our lives that can’t be hidden. This helps others push away the darkness.
Matthew 5:14-16(NIV)
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Here is a great prayer from the Psalms:
Psalm 143:7-10 (NIV)
7 Answer me quickly, LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. 8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. 9 Rescue me from my enemies, LORD, for I hide myself in you. 10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God;may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
May you seek the light continually every day and may that light push away the darkness, not only in your life……but in the lives of those around you. Your light that reflects Christ, cannot be hidden as you follow Him! May you also reflect that light in a way that helps others see Jesus in their lives.
