A Day-by-day devotional

May 8, 2023

When the light dims

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 1 Chronicles 12-16

Scripture of the Day: John 1:5

In the Philippines, the high summer months are relatively dry. This results to reduced hydropower and lower power reserves, amidst higher demand due to the searing heat. Altogether, these generate power outrages or power failure, also know as blackouts.

I remember when we were kids, whenever there’s a blackout, especially in the evening, my father would light up the gas lamp, and some candles. I and my siblings would then entertain ourselves in our dimly lit living room, playing shadows cast upon the wall, using our hands to form animal shapes.

When the power comes back again, everyone would be rejoicing. The candles are blown, the gas lamps turned off, and the electricity-powered lights are turned on. We can see everything clearly again.

In this day and time, we could tell how much darker the world has become. It is true that this is nothing new at all. The world has been through dark times many times in the past. Nevertheless, the intensity of the darkness that we are now up against is getting stronger. It grows by the day and persists through the night.

We try to combat this darkness by inhibiting its growth. This, however, will not suffice. This growing darkness is something beyond our control. As evil lurks, darkness grows. It will continue to do so, and nothing could stop it. Therefore, our struggle to curb the darkness would be nothing but futile.

The fight against the darkness is not won this way. Darkness can only be defeated by light. When we bear light and shine this light as bright as we ever could, it devours the darkness, rendering it powerless. Hence, as light bearers, what we ought to do is exhaust everything in our power, to not blend with the darkness. Instead, we need to shine our light so as to be distinct from it.

Be a light to the struggling colleague. Extend your light to the cold and hungry homeless. Share your light to the mourning widow. Offer your light to the anxious friend.

Light overcomes darkness. Darkness, however, would never overcome the light. So, in this dark and trying times, continue to shine your light.

Reflection: How do you shine your light in the darkness? Even if you light just one little candle, it could gradually sweep away the darkness.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the Light of the world. As you shine your light upon me and the world, may I be able to reflect some of it the best that I can. Enable me, even in my own little way, to disperse light that engulfs the darkness. Amen.