Light overcomes the darkness Part 2

There are many different kinds of suffering and therefore many reasons why we may struggle with depression, despair and darkness. Last time in part 1, we outlined the fact the Jesus is the ultimate way and the answer to overcoming darkness in our lives.

Here in part 2, we will look at some practical steps to help that truth become a reality for each and every one of us.

Today we look at confession.

Confession of sin

There may be issues in our lives which are keeping us from not experiencing God’s power to overcome the darkness. Maybe we need to confess that we have looked to other things instead of prioritising our relationship with Christ. These things can end up becoming idols that ultimately want our attention. In other words we become addicted. The only real healthy addiction we need in life is that of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

So let me encourage you as indeed I encourage myself to confess anything that is consuming your time and therefore keeping you in darkness. 1 John 1:5-10

Even focusing on suffering can be a form of idolatry which needs to be confessed and repented of in order for Christ to take up His rightful place. I have written before about this form of idolatry. Let me encourage you to have a look. https://www.strengthinsuffering.com/post/on-the-cusp-of-idolatry

In no way am I denying the reality of suffering and the long journey that many of us take to find a way through it and find some normality again. I have written at length in many blogs on this website regarding this. However, we do need to consider seriously how dwelling on suffering can affect us.

It could be that we’ve allowed ourselves to look at things that are unhealthy. Such as pornography, drugs, the new age, other religions, social media, gambling. These things can hinder us from experiencing the penetrating light of Jesus. Therefore, we need to confess and repent because in doing so we will allow the light of Christ to penetrate those addictions so that we can walk in freedom and the life He wants for us.

Confession of Christ

Maybe for some reading this you haven’t yet made that commitment to following Christ. Now would be a good time to do so. Scripture is clear about this.

“…if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Romans 10:9-10 ESV

See our page on ‘Journey with God’ https://www.strengthinsuffering.com/journeywithgod

The word ‘save’ here is sozo in Greek. It can mean, to save, to rescue, to deliver, to heal, to preserve, to cure.

So in confessing and believing we are saved from our sins, Matthew 1:21 When we are saved from our sins we are healed and delivered and rescued.

Now, obviously we still experience sin, both our own and of those people around us. So the presence of sin is still very much with us. However the power of sin has been broken and we no longer need to live enslaved to sin any longer. Romans 6

If we are, then we need to go back to my first point here and seek God through repentance, confession and if need be the help of a brother or sister to help us walk through the issues.

The bottom line is that in order for us to walk in the light and not darkness we need to act. For some this can be very quick and people have been delivered instantly. For others it can take time. Either way, God want us to be directed toward His light so that we are continually walking out of darkness into His wonderful light.

1 Peter 2:9

Someone has once said that ‘man’s hour of darkness is God’s hour of power’. God delights to meet us where we’re at so He can show His power in our lives.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You want to set me free from all those things that hold me back from truly walking with You. Help me to take the steps I need to in order to live the life You have for me. May I be humble enough to reach out to ask for help when needed. Amen.