I have been preaching through the gospel of John and I have really enjoyed it. It is such a blessing to reflect on the words of Christ. This week I have been prayerfully meditating on this verse in John 8:12

John 8:12 Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

I like the great truths the Lord presents to us in this verse. Jesus is the light of the world and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness. That is a great comfort to me. When I was a little kid, I was scared of the dark. Up until I was four or five years old, I imagined werewolves and monsters hiding in the closet. I did not care for the darkness at all! As I got older, I no longer worried about werewolves or monsters in the closet. But as I got older, I became aware of other things that could be scary, other things that can keep a person awake at night. Cruel and unkind words that some people fling about carelessly and recklessly. Anxiety and concern about desperate and difficult circumstances that seem like they will never change. Pain, confusion, and anger experienced when someone you love becomes gravely ill and passes away. Guilt and shame experienced when we recognize that we have walked in the darkness.

Yes, the world can be a dark and scary place, but Jesus offers His light to us. He offers forgiveness. He offers hope. He offers the ability to overcome the anxiety, pain, and confusion we experience in the dark times of our life. He promises that His love will cast out our fear. He promises to illuminate our path and walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. He promises to prepare a table for us even in the presence of our enemies. He promises that His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our life, illuminating our path, guiding our steps, strengthening, and comforting us every step of the way.  Jesus offers to drive out the darkness and enable us to walk in His light. And when you realize that, when you receive what He offers, it makes it so much easier to sleep at night.  May God bless you with His peace and His presence.