The Light of the World Banishes Fog

The winter fog engulfed the open countryside. A recent ice and snow accumulation blanketed the ground with white, while the thick fog painted the air white. It was hard to distinguish the horizon line as I looked across the barren fields. I shivered as I drove to Bible study.

At the Bible study, the warmth of God’s word provided hope and light on a dreary day. The fellowship of friends also warmed my heart, reminding me I am not alone in the fog. Each of us commented on the unusual frozen fog. The sun didn’t melt the fog away, as it usually does by mid morning. In fact, the gray clouds and fog hung over us for three days.

The fog of uncertainty can hang over us when we long for clarity.

What can remove the spiritual fog of anxiety from continual uncertainties?

Sovereign God, the creator of all things, shines His light into life for us.

In Genesis 1:3-4 we read,

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.

Life needs light to exist and grow. Every living thing needs the energy produced from light. The smallest microorganisms, the tiniest plants to the largest animals all need light. We need light to grow food and sustain us.

Light is used throughout the Bible to characterize God.

The word light was directly synonymous with God Himself; He has no darkness.

The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent. Psalm 104:2

God led the Israelites in the desert with light through a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When the pillar of light moved forward, the Israelites followed.

God’s presence is the source of light and salvation for us. Where His light shines, fear is banished.

Let the light of your face shine on us. Psalm 4:6

The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

In the Bible, light also symbolizes spiritual illumination.

The Lord provides light for our souls when we look to Him. Reading the Bible enlightens our minds, offering guidance that lifts the fog from our thinking. We can then hear the Lord speak, gaining a better perspective.

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130

So many times in life, when I feel like I’m in a fog, I am unable to see only a few feet in front of me for the next decision. I want to see entire pathway lit. But it doesn’t work that way. I have to trust God for the Light He provides for the next step.

Reading the Bible stirs awe and humility within me as I see how God’s love reaches, comforts, and convicts. By meditating and praying on God’s words, He brings clarity to the issue at hand.

There are many plans to help you read through the Bible. I’ve chosen one and look forward to learning more from God’s Word. If you’re interested in a reading plan, your can find one here.

The prophet Isaiah wrote a prophecy of the birth of Jesus, that he would bring light and break into the darkness of the world.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:2,6

The promised child born in the manger became the Light of life to redeem all of us from sin in this fallen world.

The light of God pierced the darkness of sin in the world, bringing hope for all. Jesus spoke these words of His identity in John 8:12:

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Jesus invites us to share this Light.

He challenges us in the Sermon on the Mount with these words in Matthew 5:14-16.

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.

Now we are called to be His light bearers in this world. We are to reflect His light in the culture around us through the fruit of the spirit, loving those around us in our sphere of influence.

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18

Just as the moon is visible at night because it reflects the light of the sun, God makes His light shine in our hearts to reflect His light to those around us.

God’s Light helps us as we relate to one another.

We find commonality through Jesus. In 1 John 1:7 we read this encouragement about fellowship.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

The Light of the world shines twenty-four hours a day, even during the shorter days of winter.

The pandemic and political unrest brought the fog of uncertainty and confusion into our daily lives.

By looking to the Light of the World, we will gain the peace of God in our souls.

The spiritual fog will lift. Light will lead the way. God’s word gives us light for the next step. With our eyes fixed on Jesus—living in His power and growing in His grace—we are less likely to stumble in the darkness.

Often we want to see the entire pathway from beginning to end, but God gives us enough light for the step we’re on.

As we proceed into the New Year, look to the Lord and reflect the Light of the World.

The Light of the World banishes spiritual fog when we seek Him daily.

Every year I choose a word to guide me, instead of making resolutions.

My word for this year is light.

I want to look to the Lord for more of his light in my life and share that light of hope with others.

The priestly blessing of the Old Testament found in Numbers 6:24-26 speaks of God’s light shining on us. May you be blessed with seeking more of the Light of the world, let His light shine through you.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

How is the Light of the World shining through you?