How to Focus on the Light Who Defeated Darkness

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Do you ever feel like the darkness is winning?

• Sexuality is confused, misused, and abused.
• Wars and rumors of wars lead our newscasts unless there’s a more titillating scandal to report.
• Respect for those in leadership seems to be the exception, not the norm.
• Addiction has filtered into every segment of society.
• Babies continue to be sacrificed at the altar of self.
• Terror threatens.
• The cries of those in need seem to be increasing.

And it’s likely this list doesn’t include your family’s personal struggles.

I know you come here for encouragement so I’m sorry for being “Debbie Downer” here for a minute but hang with me, I promise it will get better.

You see, that’s the enemy’s goal!

His mission is to keep us anxious and frightened. Satan wants you and me to believe evil is winning.

One thing is certain … the “father of lies” is consistent in dispensing lies.

Look away!

Stop focusing on the lies!

Darkness cannot win because the Light has already won!

Read that again…

Darkness cannot win because the Light has already won!

You may want to join me — I’m choosing to reject the lies and place my focus firmly on Jesus, the victorious Lamb of God.

As we settle into this season of Advent and prepare to celebrate Jesus arrival as the Infant Messiah and anticipate His second coming as Victorious Son of God … may we keep our hearts and minds on Jesus, the Light of the world, the defeater of darkness.

How to Focus on the Light Who Defeated Darkness

Jesus – Light of the World

A wonderful way to draw close to the Light this Advent Season is to read the Book of John.

In the beginning, the Word already existed.
    The Word was with God,
    and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through Him,
    and nothing was created except through Him.
The Word gave life to everything that was created,
    and His life brought light to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness,
    and the darkness can never extinguish it.
John 1:1–4

The Life Application Notes say the following:

John wrote this Gospel—to build faith and confidence in Jesus Christ so that we may believe He truly was and is the Son of God. 

And…

The darkness of evil never has and never will overcome God’s light. Jesus Christ is the Creator of life, and His life brings light to humankind. In His light we see ourselves as we really are (sinners in need of a Savior). 

Jesus lights the path ahead of us so we can see how to live and He removes the darkness of sin from our lives. 

All reasons to celebrate His birth, learn about His life, trust His love, and anticipate His return.

How to Stay Focused on Jesus the Light

1. Begin and End the Day with Jesus

Read a chapter or two, or just a few verses from the Bible each morning. Grab a devotional book you like and read a page or two before bed. Framing the day with Scripture you start it strengthened and encouraged and end it calmed and ready to rest.

My soul cries because of sorrow. Give me strength because of Your Word. Psalm 119:28

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105

2. Pray without Ceasing

Cover your day with prayer. Ask God for His direction and help. Ask Him for His forgiveness when you disobey Him. Lift of the needs of your family, friends, community, and country. The more you and I turn to God in prayer when the darkness of this life overwhelms us … we will find ourselves more hopeful and able to shine.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

3. Avoid Darkness

Turn off the news. Avoid websites, entertainment, and social media that give a steady diet of dark “ain’t it awful” morsels. You and I have a choice as to the things consume physically, mentally, and emotionally. I want to choose more wisely.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:1–3

4. Review God’s Past Faithfulness

Rev and I talk often about the ways God has faithfully seen us through life’s challenges and each time we do, we are filled with gratitude, strengthened in our current circumstances, and given hope for tomorrow’s possible problems. Remembering what God has done in the past, reminds us of His goodness and grace. He is greater than any temporary dark problem this world endures.

Remember the wonders He has performed, His miracles, and the rulings He has given. 1 Chronicles 16:12

5. Stay in Community

Living in faith with other believers gives you and me opportunities to share our stories of God’s faithfulness. I am focused and grateful when I talk to others about the ways God has worked in my life … about the times He has given me His peace, strength, courage, and hope. And the ways He has used difficult circumstances to draw me close, grow my faith, and shown me the blessing of surrendered trust.

I am also encouraged when I hear stories of God’s activity in the lives of other believers.

Think of clustering candles to increase the brightness. When we bring the flicker within us and add it to the light within others … the blaze grows and blesses us all.

Let the whole earth sing to the Lord! Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does. Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! 1 Chronicles 16:23–25a

Friends, focus on Jesus! He is victorious. The battle has already been won.

Just look at these promises. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. ¹¹ Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10–11

Thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted. 1 Corinthians 15:57–58

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things. 1 Chronicles 29:11

Jesus, the Light of the world has won the victory!

Darkness cannot win because Jesus, the Light has already won!

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