The Light of Christ in Dark Times: Finding Hope When You Feel Lost

 “For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (NIV)

Colossians 1:13

Dear Friends,

Living in the light of Christ helps us see clearly, even when the world around us feels dark. Light is something we often take for granted, but its absence reminds us of how much we rely on it. Since the discovery of electricity and Edison’s invention of the light bulb, we have been able to stay awake longer and accomplish more than previous generations. But when the lights suddenly disappear, our perspective quickly changes.

When the Lights Go Out

This past Thursday afternoon, a large portion of our town and the surrounding areas lost power. A tractor-trailer overturned on one of our major roads, knocking down electric poles and disrupting the electricity needed to provide light, and in many cases, heat.

While our family escaped the repercussions of this incident, there have been other times when our home was plunged into darkness due to power outages. These interruptions are usually brief, but occasionally they last longer than we would like, creating serious challenges such as limited visibility, loss of water, lack of heat, and the possibility of freezing pipes during the winter months.

What Darkness Reveals

Light and darkness are powerful themes throughout Scripture. As I reflected on these images, several thoughts came to mind. When we find ourselves in darkness, we often experience:

Disorientation – Without light, we can easily lose our way. When the lights have gone out in our home, I’ve sometimes had to use my hands to feel my way through familiar rooms just to avoid bumping into objects.

Confusion – Darkness can create mental confusion, especially in unfamiliar places. Without visual reference points, we may wander aimlessly, unsure of our direction.

Grief – The absence of light can bring a sense of loss. Problems that seem manageable in the light can feel overwhelming in the dark.

Fear – Darkness often stirs anxiety and uncertainty. We wonder what might happen, whether situations will improve, and whether those we love are safe.

Isolation – When we cannot see clearly, we can feel alone, relying only on our senses of hearing and touch for reassurance.

Emotional Struggles – Extended periods of darkness can even affect mental and emotional health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and discouragement.

Spiritual Darkness – Spiritually, many believers describe seasons when they feel distant from God – often referred to as “the dark night of the soul” – times when His presence seems hidden even though He has not left.

The answer to the effects of darkness is light.

The Spiritual Reality of Darkness

God is sovereign over darkness. At creation, He spoke light into a formless and empty world. Darkness flees at His command, yet at times He also uses darkness for His divine purposes. A cloud of darkness protected the children of Israel from the Egyptians at the Red Sea, and a thick cloud covered Mount Sinai, shielding God’s glory from human sight.

Jesus: The Light of the World

The most comforting picture of light for believers is found in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself the Light of the World. He came into this sin-darkened world to remove spiritual confusion and provide a way for lost sinners to return to God. His presence dispels fear and grief. Those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. Even during seasons that feel like the “dark night of the soul,” His light assures us that we are never alone.

Living in the Light of Christ

The Apostle Paul also used the contrast between light and darkness to describe the difference between those who know God and those who do not. Many remain in darkness, hoping their deeds will stay hidden, yet that same darkness enslaves them and leads to separation from God. But believers have been rescued from the kingdom of darkness and brought into the kingdom of the Son He loves (Colossians 1:13). Because of this, we are called to live as children who are living in the light of Christ, turning away from the fruitless deeds of darkness and instead exposing them.

When sin is brought into the light, it presents a choice. Peace with God comes when we acknowledge the truth, turn from sin, and receive His forgiveness. Will we repent, or will we retreat back into the shadows?

Every time we experience a power outage, I breathe a sigh of relief when the electricity returns. Rooms fill with light, and life begins to feel normal again. In the same way, spiritual peace comes when God opens our eyes and rescues us from darkness.

Shining Light in a Dark World

Often He accomplishes this through His people. As we are living in the light of Christ, those who are lost, broken, fearful, or discouraged can see the hope of Christ through our lives. The brilliance of God’s Spirit shining through us draws others out of darkness and into His marvelous light. In His presence, darkness cannot remain.

Are you living in the light of Christ?

Love,

Mama

Have you ever experienced a season that felt spiritually dark? Share in the comments how God brought light into that moment.