Turn on the Light

Darkness almost universally is related to bad: from monsters under the bed, nightmares and stubbed toes; to confusion, lack of knowing, inability to see and understand; to evil. Even when we find comfort in darkness it can actually be for bad reasons. We might like the dark because it gives us a place to go and hide where we don't have to deal with ourselves and the world; or we go to the darkness to hide our activities. While it is related to so much bad, we are also intrigued by it. A great example of this is two of the biggest movies of all time have darkness as a major them. In Star Wars we see the evil emperor tempt Luke "to come to the dark side of the force." And this summer has produced what looks like may be the biggest movie of all time, The Dark Knight. People walk out of that movie all making the same comment, "It's dark." Whatever our attitude, fears, comforts, or understanding about darkness, the reality is we do not want it. No one wants darkness in their marriage. You don't want darkness in your finances. You don't want darkness in your community. You don't want darkness in your boss or your governmental leaders. We live in a world that has been profoundly touched by darkness, where we are profoundly touched by darkness. And, it is in darkness that people are most likely to ask, "Where is God?" Darkness is not God's plan for you or for any part of your life. The Bible tells us there is a God. First page, first sentence, says, "In the beginning God." It goes just a few more lines and we see the first recorded words out of that God's mouth. Do you remember what they are? Then God said, "Let there be light." - Genesis 1:3