Have you ever tried looking for something in the dark? 

Even though I know it’s foolish, I do this from time to time. 

I’ll walk into a dark room and feel around for some object that I know is there—no need to turn on the light for two seconds—and I feel my way toward the nightstand or the counter or the ottoman. The object is there, but (surprise!) I can’t find it. I turn on the light, and, bam, there it is. 

I do the same thing when I plunge my hand into my dark purse and try to find a pen or a hair tie. The desired object is nowhere to be found until I spill the contents into the light.

What about trying to plug something into an outlet that’s hidden behind a sofa or table? It’s nigh impossible until you crane your neck back there and actually look, as this video short perfectly illustrates. 

Trying to locate something in the dark takes longer. It’s more complicated. And it can lead to a stubbed toe or bonk on the head. 

Sometimes, though, I’m not looking for my keys or my phone. I’m looking for something else like an answer to a question, a healing, a confirmation. Often, I’m looking for comfort, encouragement, and direction.

How can I look for these things in the LIGHT, spiritually speaking?

I can look in the light of God’s word.

I can reach out in prayer.

I can get myself to church.

I can turn to a trustworthy brother or sister.

I can do all of these things and activate my spiritual sight so that I can “see” things that I couldn’t see before (in the dark).

Now, imagine what it looks like to search for these important things in the dark—without the light of God.

The world will give me conflicting answers. It may lead me astray into danger. It may be so complicated that I give up trying to understand it. Or, on the other side of the spectrum, it may toss me a meaningless T-shirt slogan.

When I search in the light, the process is much less complicated and much more clear. 

What are you searching for today, and are you looking in the light or in the dark?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

“Precious day he gave my eyes sight, 

lovely day, He sent my path light” 

(Songs of Zion No. 24 “The Day He Found Me”)

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.