The Lamppost

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uring one of the many remodels done to our home, mom and dad purchased and installed a lamppost.  I remember how excited they were as the workers set the lamppost in place, wired it up, and tested it.  Of course, the real test of that lamp came with sunset.

Instead of wiring the post directly a switch just inside our front door, the electrician installed a light sensor, programmed to turn on the light when as the sun’s rays vanished into the west.  Without fail, that lamppost shined its light over our driveway and sidewalk in all weathers, hot or cold, dry or wet, calm or stormy.  Every night when I came home, the lamppost was there, faithfully keeping watch over our home and when I awoke in the morning, the light was still shining, proof that we had been guarded and protected during the night.

The light from that lamppost and from the streetlight across from our house meant that it was never completely dark!  There was always a light shining somewhere that provided safety and security for our family. I can remember lying awake in my bed at night, watching shadows dancing on the wall, courtesy of the light pouring in my window.  On many an evening when sleep was a longtime in coming, I would walk into our living room and see that lamppost shining faithfully in the dark.  It brought comfort and peace to my mind and I was able to return to bed and fall fast asleep.

The Apostle John understood the importance of light, especially as it applies to our walk with the Lord.  In 1 John 1:5 he writes, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.”  In these words, John gives us a wonderful sense of hope, assurance, encouragement, and peace.

John’s message is clear:  God’s light always shines!  The world is a dark place and sometimes we feel as if there is no way out, no hope, no light, and no one who cares about us. These are all lies for the Christian.  God is always with us and his light always illumines our path.  There is nowhere we can go to escape from God’s presence.  In the darkest of nights, he is there.  He is in every hospital room, comforting and healing those who are sick.  He walks the halls of nursing homes, visiting those who are lonely and feel the world has forgotten them.  God is in our schools, guarding our children, protecting them from dangers we know nothing about.  And God is right where you are today.  He knows all about you and he is with you in everything you are facing, no matter how difficult or how challenging it may be.

As a Christian, you are one of God’s children and he has promised never to leave you nor to forsake you.  Just like the lamppost at my parents’ home, his light is always shining.  The darkness cannot put it out!  His light shows watches over us and faithfully shows us the way home.  He is there, even when we are asleep.  We are never out of his sight and we are never out of his mind.

If you feel you are in the dark today, please take heart and be encouraged.  Light is best seen in the darkness!  God’s light is shining, faithfully guiding you and watching over your steps today.  It is my prayer that you will look to that light and draw from its strength.  Along the road of life, God is the lamppost that safely lights our way and leads us through the darkness.  God is light, and where there is light, there can be no darkness.  Have a great day!