“That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:5
About two months ago I stumbled across a pretty picture with this verse on it and for one reason or another I decided to make it my phone background, and I had no idea how much of a key verse this would turn out to be for me. This verse has become central to my daily life, and every day there is a point in my day where I have to remind myself of its truth.
Let me back up. Here’s the original context of this verse:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. That light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” —John 1:1-5
God created everything, including the light of all mankind. And that light shines IN the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it.
That’s the key. That’s the part that gets me. The opening five verses of John are so incredible but to me they are all a build up to this. This is our instruction on how to live in this world, and this is why this verse has been my background for over two months. Stay with me.
That light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it.
Think about it. This world—That is the darkness (“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” Colossians 1:13). We, believers, are the light, mirroring Jesus’ light (Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” John 8:12). We are to be IN the world but not of the world (“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect,” Romans 12:2), and we are to be a shining light in the world while we are here (“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,” Ephesians 5:8). Therefore our light, the light of Christ within us, shines in the darkness of this world, but the world has not overcome it.
WHAT. AN. ENCOURAGEMENT.
David wrote in Psalm 139 that “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you” (Psalm 139:12).
Even the darkness will not be dark for our God, because He has already overcome the darkness. That light that shines within us is powerful because it is the same light that overcame the darkness, and that light will always win.
Here’s the thing. That light is just waiting to shine in you. But you have to be a willing vessel.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:14-16
We each have a light in us that God is just waiting to use. We can’t have this light just to hide it—that would be a waste of our light. God is ready and willing to use you if you will just be ready and willing to let Him.
Here’s another thing. Some translations of the Bible say “that light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not UNDERSTOOD it.” I love that. Darkness will never understand light. Evil will never understand joy. Hate will never understand love.
That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.
I know believers can get so discouraged in this world. You feel like you’re working so hard to balance ordinary life/work/school while also feeling the need to spread light to those around you. You feel like you’re always doing too much but never doing enough. It’s exhausting just thinking about it. I know the feeling.
The thing is, we don’t have to worry about defeating the darkness of this world because it HAS ALREADY BEEN DEFEATED. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33. All we have to concern ourselves with is how we are going to share the light of Christ we have within us to those around us. That can be as simple as remembering the name of the woman in the grocery store checking out your purchases, or doing a favor for your mom on Thanksgiving since she’s spent all day cooking food for you.
It is not too late for us, for humanity. We as believers can help those lost in darkness in our own world. Be a light to those around you by spreading love and grace. Hope is ALIVE today because little by little we are squandering out the darkness of this world—though the ultimate darkness has already been defeated, and the Light has already won.
That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.
•••
If have a chance, listen to this song. I’ve attached a link to the Spotify track for it below. It will be such an encouragement to you today.
Hope Is Alive, Kristene Dimarco
“The Son of God hung on the cross
The day was dark and all felt lost
But stirring underneath the surface
The Lamb of God fighting for us
Hope is alive today, He is alive today
The stone was rolled away
Death defeated in His grave
Hope is alive today, He is alive today
No matter what we face
We overcome in Jesus’ name
He was buried on that day
In tombs where heroes are forgotten
The Earth realized
It could not hold Him
This was more than just a man
Eternal life You gave us
Your great revenge upon all darkness
Through the sacred blood of Jesus
We’ve become Your righteousness
I can hear the angels
Joining in our anthem
With all the hosts of Heaven
We shout the victory is won
Oh the victory is won”
•••
xoxox, meg
meaganleighkennedy 