BY Mitch Glover

For the Peninsula Clarion

The summer solstice for the Northern Hemisphere is only a few days away. June 20 is the longest day of the year. The most daylight is its claim to fame.

Thankfully we are in the season of daylight. The opposite solstice, Dec. 21, is a lengthy time away yet. Its darkness is more bearable with all the colorful Christmas lights shining brightly.

In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” This simple statement is what all creation is built upon. Both physical light and spiritual light, as they impact humanity, were spoken into existence with those four words. Life and light were linked in both realms. John 1:4 reads, “In him was life, and the life was the light of men.”

God used the elements of light many times to help people, especially at night. Job experienced hardships that were drastic and deliverance was delayed. He endured dark times but he remembered, “When his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness.” (Job 29:3).

David could rejoice in the Lord providing light for him in dark times also. He confidently declared, “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” (Psalm 18:28).

Jesus proclaimed, “I am the light of the world.” This is in line with the “I AM” statement Moses heard at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. Following the light Jesus gives will keep us from walking in darkness and will provide the light of life.

Epistle writer Paul looked back to creation when he wrote, “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6). This shining light is to illuminate our hearts with God’s glory in Christ Jesus. The power of God’s command is just as great now as it was at the beginning.

This passage of Scripture shows light was given to negate the problem of blinded minds brought on by the god of this world. Satan wants to eliminate faith so that the “light of the glorious gospel of Christ” could not shine on people who desperately need that light.

Peter also wrote of the powerful effect of God’s light. He admonished believers to take heed to the light that shines in a dark place, the dawning day, and the day star rising in our hearts. (See 2 Peter 1:19). This three-fold reference to light was to make sure we put faith in God’s word, a “more sure word of prophecy”.

Note also that Peter, like Paul, made the connection of light to our heart. Does this mean we are to be lighthearted? That word has meanings of being carefree and easygoing. Sometimes we may feel like that. Other times life is tough with little to be cheerful about. That is when the light in our heart from Jesus can lighten our path and days. Lighten has two meanings: to give light and to decrease burdens. The Lord Jesus Christ can do both for you.

Mitch Glover pastors the Sterling Pentecostal Church. Sunday Bible class at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. are livestreamed on Facebook as well as the Thursday Bible study at 7 p.m. Visit the services and sterlingpentecostalchurch.com.