I want to encourage you today for when you walk through those shadows in the valley of death, for those dark nights of the soul, for those moments where darkness seems to settle in around you. Sometimes we just need a reminder to let the Light in.

❤

Overwhelm. It’s a space I hate to dwell in. Brought on by my own procrastination, I think through the seemingly endless to-do lists, and I freeze.

I’m stuck. Overcome. Defeated. Under pressure.

I feel like my head may explode. Screaming or pulling out my hair don’t seem like viable options today. I shoot my husband a quick text, asking him to pray for me. I sit in my chair by the window and wait.

I think back to school and how I would always procrastinate because I thought the pressure of the deadline helped me. I’m realizing now that the pressure just makes me miserable in the process. That maybe there’s a better way.

I’m trying to slow down and savor. I’m doing my best to live unhurried. But there’s so much to do and it creates an unwanted friction.

I turn to face the darkness. Instead, I’m overcome by the light. The sun rises over the mountain and pierces through the window, through my darkness.

My heart thaws and the tears flow.

Breakthrough.

I receive God’s love, truth, peace and strength.

And I start to remember… Do the next thing. I can’t do it all, but I can do something. One foot in front of the other. Start somewhere. I’m not alone; God is with me. He’s put people in my life to help.

Momentum builds as things are accomplished. But I’m resting in God throughout the day. I’m walking with Him. I’m relying on His strength.

The Enneagram one in me ensures that I will do everything I can to get all the things done. Failure doesn’t come easy. But I also don’t want my grit to turn to angst and negatively affect myself and my loved ones. So instead of focusing on my “one” tendencies, I fix my eyes on the One who is with me. On the One who is Light.

The day ends up being productive, but instead of rejoicing in the accomplishments, I’m grateful for the Light. For His presence. For His mercy and grace, that He reached down from on high and took hold of me and carried me to a better space. That He lit my path, that He walked with me, that He held my hand.

My desire is to live overwhelmed by my Heavenly Father and His presence, and underwhelmed by my circumstances and the world.

Today, the to-do list looms. But first, I sit in my chair and wait for the sun to rise again and flood my corner of the room. I gather verses about light and darkness. I read through Illuminated and Shadows (Part 1 and 2). I sit with Him, I listen for Him. I listen to songs that point to the Light.

And then I get up and get going. I’ve seen the Light, and I’ve let it invade my darkness. I look for Him, my Light, throughout the day. I’m awake and aware.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.” – Genesis 1:3-4

“You are my lamp, O Lord; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” – 2 Samuel 22:29

“Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” – Psalm 34:5

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” – Proverbs 4:18-19

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” – Isaiah 9:2, Matthew 4:16

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” – Isaiah 60:1-3

“The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not overcome.” – John 1:5

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – Jesus (John 8:12)

“You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” – Jesus (John 12:35-36)

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” – Ephesians 5:8

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light: in Him there is no darkness at all.” – 1 John 1:5

Suggested Songs

From Bethel: Light (Interlude), I See the Light

From Steffany Gretzinger: Open Up Let the Light In, Out of Hiding, Morning Song