LIGHT
“You are all children of the light, children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.”
1 Thessalonians 5:5 (NIV)
Imagine walking through an unfamiliar dark house? Imagine walking through a dense forest at night when clouds blanket the sky hiding the stars and moonlight. For me, both situations would bring fear and anxiety, especially if I weren’t holding a lantern or some source of light.
Darkness is often a descriptor for depression. Whether you are the caregiver, the one suffering, or a concerned friend of someone who struggles, you have most likely felt or seen emotional darkness when depression creeps in. The opposite of darkness is light.
The Bible mentions light 277 times according to Bible Gateway. Biblically speaking, light represents the presence of God, holiness, goodness, wisdom, hope, and God's revelation. During times of depression it can only help, not hurt to seek God and we can do that alone or in community.
When thinking about being children of God, we can recognize His presence as a source of light. His presence can be helpful to push away the darkness that encamps around us during a depressive episode. Just as a flashlight would make it possible to get through a dark house or find a way out of the forest. The light of God can be a tremendous help moving through a depressive episode. Be assured our heavenly Father loves us and wants good for us. When we seek His presence, He will surely provide light and peace despite our circumstances. He may not bring healing or fix everything happening in our lives at that moment, however His presence will give us strength and comfort to get through the dark places.
Jesus told us in John 8:12 that He is the light of the world. Let’s allow Jesus to shine in our lives today.
“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 (NIV)
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