Chasing Shadows

by Joyce Sykes
Published January 9, 2007

During various vacations, we toured caverns in North Carolina and Virginia. The wired lighting strung revealed an underground stream, bottomless pools, blind fish and rich beautiful colors. However, the most vivid memory even today occurred when the guide crammed everyone into a small area and requested us to place our hands directly in front of our face. Then, lights out! Total blackness surrounded us. No matter how much you wiggled your fingers or waved your hand in front of your face, it was impossible to see.

Different sources of light no matter how small would quickly reveal itself in this black void. The smallest hint of light, even as small as a watch face, glimmers in this vast blackness. A candle illuminates the faces of those surrounding it, even as a flashlight aimed at various spots reveals a path ensuring the safety of forward movement. Once outside, the sunlight is blinding until eyes adjust once more to the brightness of the world. In the natural, it is apparent that the stronger the light, the more it dispels the darkness.

This also holds true in the spirit realm. The world and those without Christ as their personal Savior stand in the abyss of sin; a dark and dreadful place that is without hope, grace, mercy or divine love. Yet as Christians, we have the Light to shine in the midst of their darkness. What a wonderful blessing to know the True Light of the world and to be able to shine His love and mercy to this sin-darkened world.

The Lord has called many to shine like the face of a watch, glimmering with the hint of hope. Prison ministries and workers of drug and alcohol abuse homes such as Teen Challenge shine in the midst of the darkness. Just as in the cavern that day, the lost stand on a rack suspended over a bottomless pool, engulfed by the intense darkness surrounding them and suddenly a slight glimmer of hope appears. For the first time the thought comes that maybe, just maybe Jesus does love them with an everlasting love.

Others hold a candle revealing the face of love and acceptance; individuals with a smile on their face and joy in their heart reach out to strangers. Those lost in the darkness see the flickering light of grace and mercy. Like a moth to the candle, the lonely, lost and those starving for acceptance see the possibility of finding a friend. Then the warmth of His love fills the cavern of loneliness as the candle bearer speaks Truth.

Holding the flashlight of mercy, we shed light on even the darkest path. Opportunities to speak out for the Lord, to reveal His words of love to the loveless come daily. Acts of mercy and grace portray His divine love. Providing food to the homeless, touching those left alone in nursing homes and hospitals, or bringing lunch for the forsaken old man sitting alone in his home are just some of the many ways we shine in our world.

Our light shining in the midst of the darkness can touch one heart at a time. No matter how dark the surroundings, we bring hope. Not because we are so great at shining; but by remembering that each of us were in the same black pit of despair until His light was revealed to us. We have met with the Light of the world. Jesus has touched our heart and soul. Even the blackest of shadows runs away in the brightness of His glory.

Hearts and lives can be touched through our everyday life. A smile and a word of encouragement can open the eyes of the lost a little more to the brightness of the Son. A hug to the unlovable can melt the darkness of loneliness. A simple act of kindness gives light to a pathway leading to our Lord Jesus.

What a wondrous gift to know that we shine with His love. The same glimmer of hope He placed in us glistens in the world shrouded by darkness. Moreover, as we shine with His gift of grace and mercy the door that leads to His Presence will fling open revealing the Light of the World in His glorious Majesty.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:15

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