Psalm 119:130 – The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (KJV)

John 1:5 – And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. (KJV)

A lonely light illuminates the entrance of a dim hallway in a building that not so long ago thrived with throngs of people on many occasions.

Peeling paint on the woodwork accompanies dandelions dotting an overgrown lawn, signifying neglect of not just a building, but a whole community, a portion of life that has enjoyed better times.

An abandoned planter, holding the remnants of a plant long since dried up, sits on the top front step — perhaps waiting for the day the door will once again open up.

The building had been an active church, and when that community dwindled, it housed a daycare during the week. I recently was pleased to learn that there are a couple of church communities interested in purchasing it for their worship services. And while the little light was left on as a security measure, it could be compared to keeping God's light shining within us through the rough patches in our lives.

We sometimes experience times of adversity: neglect, disharmony, deep grief, or a myriad of things that thrust us into a dimming situation. It isn't always easy to keep the light on in our darkest hours. In such times, it isn't unusual to question His presence, threatening our ability to stay strong in our faith while working through our problems.

But just like that little light in the dim doorway, we need to keep God's light shining in our hearts and minds. We need to keep the hope that one day, too, our door to better times will be opened.

Whether in good or troubled times, by keeping His light shining within us, we then are shining examples for others.

Prayer: Grant us the grace, O Lord, always to see that You are with us, especially in times of trouble. Let the words to the song, "This little light of mine", remind us of Your light within us. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Mary Daniel <marydee@shaw.ca>
Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
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