“Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.”
Isaiah 60: 1-3
The darkness does appear to be getting darker. However, that means that the light will shine more brightly. When you turn the light on in a dark room at night, it has much more impact than turning the light on in the daytime. Therefore, when we see darkness increasing, we should rejoice, knowing that the light of Christ will shine all the more brightly! Instead of focusing on how dark it is, the Lord wants us to focus on being the light in a dark world. It is an opportunity to have a great harvest for the kingdom. People are drawn to the light. Just as a lighthouse helps guide ships safely during a storm, so the gospel of truth helps lead others in a safe path. When they see how differently we talk and think and act than the world, they notice. While everyone else is walking in strife, confusion, and division, we are bringing peace, joy, love and wisdom to the situation.
“Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Too many times Christians end up sounding like the world. They talk about all the negative things around them and focus on all that is going wrong. Instead, the Lord wants us to focus our thoughts on the things above. “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Colossians 3:1-2
Instead of thinking on all the evil and destruction in the earth, we are to do as Philippians 4:8 commands: “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
When we train our thoughts to think kingdom thoughts, then we are able to make an impact for good in dark situations. It does not mean we ignore what is going on around us. It just means that instead of spending so much emotional energy focusing on the problem, we focus on the solution. We remember that what the enemy means for evil, God can and will turn for our good. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
When we keep our eyes on Jesus, then no matter what storms we encounter, we will overcome and have the victory. As a result, others will see the goodness of God operating in us and through us. “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Mathew 5:14-16
Notice that the scripture says: “They may see your good works, and glorify your Father…” Our lives are an open letter to others. (see 2 Corinthians 3:2) As they see our good works, our good words, our kind and honest way of living, it draws them to the Father. It is the goodness of God that leads men to repent. (see Romans 2:4).
Therefore, during these times of shaking in the earth, let us be a wonderful witness for the Lord in word and in deed. Let us focus our thoughts on the promises of God so that we can be a light in the world and draw many to Christ!
Further reading: Jeremiah 10:1-2, Deuteronomy 12: 29-34, Philippians 2:1-18, 1 John 2:6, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:1-2, Ephesians 4
