There’s a Big Difference Between a Puny Flashlight and More Powerful Light

In John 8:12 it says, “I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path.” (TLB)

We all have dark days. There are dark days of disappointment when dreams crumble and plans fall apart. There are dark days when we’re stressed out by finances or relationships, dark days of disease and divorce and losing a loved one.

When we hit those dark days, we need a guiding light.

When I have a problem I can’t control, I don’t typically turn to God. Instead, I decide that I’ll figure it out on my own. I go back in the recesses of my mind to an emotional chest of drawers and pull out all kinds of little flashlights.

I pull out the flashlight that says “Relationships” and start shining it on my life. I think if this <fill in the blank> would just happen, then life would be great.

When that doesn’t work, I pull out another flashlight that says “Job/Career.” If I could just change jobs, then everything would be right again. But that doesn’t work either.

So we try the “Sex” or “Money” or “Seminar/Self-help” flashlights, hoping to make the way clearer.

And when that doesn’t work, I may even pull out another flashlight that says “Location.” If I could just move to another state or wherever, then things would get better. But then I realize that when I move to another location, I take all of my problems with me—because the biggest problem is inside me.

I don’t need a flashlight. I need the Light. In fact, I need the Light of the World, Jesus Christ.

Jesus is not some puny little flashlight. He is a searchlight! He is a giant, powerful light that lets me see five miles down the road.

In my dark days, I shouldn’t put my trust in the flashlights that depend on my own power. Instead, just flip the switch that turns on God’s light in my life—in other words, have faith. When I tell God that I don’t know which way to go and that I’m feeling unsure and confused, but that I’m going to trust him anyway, that’s faith.

Ask Jesus to help me to trust him, and he will.

“I am the Light of the world. So if you follow me, you won’t be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path” (John 8:12 TLB).

In summary, Jesus called himself the light of the world. The pillar of fire represented God's presence, protection, and guidance. Likewise, Jesus brings God's presence, protection, and guidance. I need to make him the light of my world. As his follower I should follow him as a soldier follows his captain. Just as I follow the laws of our nation, so should I follow the laws of the Kingdom of Heaven.