Where’s the Light Switch?

Finding Light in Life's Darkest Moments

Have you ever noticed how life's challenges seem to pile up when you least expect them? Even as Christians, we're not immune to the daily pressures and spiritual battles that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from God's presence.

"Light arises in the darkness for the upright; He is gracious and compassionate and righteous." (Psalm 112:4, NASB)

The Reality of Christian Struggles

Let's be honest – being a follower of Christ doesn't mean we get a free pass from life's difficulties. Family tensions, financial pressures, health concerns, career challenges – these are all part of our earthly journey. These circumstances are more challenging to manage because they can wear us down. While we are often unaware of what is happening, these challenges can slowly dim our spiritual vision and weaken our connection with God.

The Enemy's Subtle Strategy

Think of it like this: Satan rarely shows up wearing a red suit with a pitchfork. Instead, he works behind the scenes, creating small distractions, questioning your knowledge, and presenting seemingly logical alternatives to God's path. Although we may be resistant at first, like Adam and Eve, we are often coaxed into making bad choices.

Note that Eve’s fall did not happen suddenly. Rather, it was a gradual process. First, the serpent leads Eve to question God’s command. His question contains a half-truth, leading Eve to question God’s command. Once Eve begins to consider whether Satan is right, he then contradicts God with an outright lie.

Eve is still unconvinced but no doubt wavering. So Satan justifies the lie with a half-truth, which contains another lie that waters and grows the first lie into what seemed a rational choice. As C.S. Lewis wisely noted in "The Screwtape Letters," "Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one-the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts." And so it was with Eve. And likewise, so it is with us. We are susceptible to the same strategy.

That strategy often involves:

• Creating constant distractions that divide our attention

• Clouding our judgment with worry and anxiety

• Making wrong choices appear easier and more attractive

• Building invisible barriers between us and God's guidance

The Darkness We Create

"We hope for light, but behold, darkness, for brightness, but we walk in gloom. We grope along the wall like blind men, we grope like those who have no eyes... For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us." (Isaiah 59:9-10,12, NASB)

Often, we find ourselves like hikers on a mountain trail at sunset, so fascinated by the glorious beauty of the sky that we forget darkness is approaching. We subconsciously know it will soon be dark but are too absorbed to start home before the trail becomes hidden and hard to see. In the same way, we might be aware of our spiritual challenges but postpone addressing them until we're already engulfed in darkness.

Finding God's Light in the Darkness

The good news is that God's guidance system never fails, even when we feel lost in the dark. Here's how we can reconnect with His divine direction:

1. Acknowledge the Darkness

The first step toward finding light is admitting we're in darkness. This requires honest self-assessment and humble recognition of our need for God's guidance.

2. Embrace God's Presence

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, NASB)

Even in our darkest moments, God's presence remains constant. His Word is open before us and shows us the paths we should take. He doesn't abandon us when we struggle but draws closer when we seek Him. Let His Word be a lamp to your feet.

3. Practice Spiritual Disciplines

• Regular prayer and Bible study

• Fellowship with other believers

• Worship and praise, especially during difficult times

• Serving others despite personal challenges

4. Trust the Process

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (James 1:2-3, NASB)

Moving Forward in Faith

Remember, spiritual growth often happens in the valleys, not just on the mountaintops. Each challenge we face is an opportunity to experience God's faithfulness and guidance in new ways.

Practical Steps for Daily Light:

• Start each day with intentional time in God's presence

• Keep a prayer journal to track God's faithfulness

• Surround yourself with encouraging believers

• Regularly share your struggles with trusted spiritual mentors

The Promise of His Presence

God's light doesn't just illuminate our path; it transforms our perspective. An illustration that comes to mind is that of landing a small plane. In my experience, the difference between daylight and night landing is enormous. (for you pilots, assume we are flying VFR). This is especially true when descending as you approach the runway.

During the day, I clearly see the path, i.e., the runway ahead. I also see the ground, and my eyes automatically take in the objects on the ground as they pass below. My brain uses my motion past those objects to calculate speed and altitude above the ground. Most of us feel comfortable with a normal (daylight) perspective of altitude and motion anytime we are pilots or passengers on an airline.

However, when making that same approach, I see the runway ahead, i.e., my path, but the objects are hidden in the darkness. My eyes and brain cannot calculate a sense of speed or altitude because the hidden objects no longer give me a reference to measure. It is effectively staring into darkness with nothing in return. You have no real sense of motion or speed. You are uncertain how far above ground you are.

It is weird and can be an unnerving feeling. Any pilot can tell you that the loss of perspective can lead to errors in judgment regarding our approach altitude and landing speed, both of which are needed to ensure the desired outcome. That outcome is you land on and stay on the runway with the wings right side up!

Fortunately, even as VFR pilots, we are taught to use our instruments. By looking at my instruments, I can see both my speed and distance from the ground. The instruments connect me to reality, “situational awareness,” as pilots call it.

Thinking of the illustration above, when we are in a spiritually dark place, God’s Word serves like the instruments above; they connect you with God and give you situational awareness. Thus, when we stay connected to Him, we can make a smooth landing even in the darkest situations. The landing becomes an opportunity for growth and wisdom. The results of staying connected brings us into greater fellowship with those around us.

"But if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin." (1 John 1:7, NASB)

God's Guiding Light

When we suddenly realize we are flying in darkness, it's easy to feel spiritually lost. Yet, just as pilots trust their instruments in the dark of night, we are called to trust in God's Word, which serves as our spiritual guidance system.

Remember, God's Word is more than an instructional manual; it is the light that brings understanding and confidence and changes how we see ourselves. It illuminates our challenges and lights the path before us.

When we begin to stumble in darkness, our journey becomes hard. But finding light in the darkness leads to a clear path and a deeper connection with God. And that connection brings a bright spiritual light that chases the darkness from every area of life.

Practical Steps

Today, take a moment to turn to God’s Word. Reflect on these practical steps:

1. Acknowledge the darkness you face without fear or shame. Be honest with yourself and with God.

2. Embrace His presence by turning to Scripture, letting it be a lamp for your path (Psalm 119:105).

3. Commit to spiritual disciplines—prayer, worship, fellowship, and service—as a regular part of your life.

4. Trust in the process, knowing trials can refine and strengthen your faith (James 1:2-3).

Finally, don’t walk this path alone. Seek community and accountability through fellowship with other believers and share your journey with trusted spiritual mentors.

Let this truth encourage you as you move forward: the darkness is temporary, but God’s light is eternal. Open your heart to His guidance today and allow His Word to lead you safely into the light of His wisdom, grace, and peace.

“For You are my lamp, O Lord, and the Lord illumines my darkness.” (2 Samuel 22:29, NASB)

Feel free to share your experiences of how God led you from a place of spiritual darkness to one of walking in the light of His love. Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe, and Share!