After it's been cloudy and gloomy for several days, especially in the winter months, it's not unusual for some people to experience a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). A mild version is known as the "winter blues," which is thought to come as a result of the reduced exposure to sunlight. What a difference it can make to one's mood when the sky finally clears and the light bursts forth.
So how is the lighting on the pathway of your inner life? A bit clouded over?
The apostle John wrote that Jesus Christ is the light of the world and that the darkness of this world cannot overcome it. Jesus says, "If you follow Me, you won't be stumbling through the darkness, for living light will flood your path" (John 8:12). Perhaps you're struggling to get through to the full light of Jesus. Maybe you've allowed some things to block the light of God from your life. Maybe busyness is crowding in, or perhaps anger and unforgiveness are obstructing the light. Perhaps some friends who don't share your values are darkening your path more than you care to admit and leading you to make compromises. But you keep letting them pull you away because they've been friends for a long time.
This is why it's so important that you spend time alone with God reading His Word every day. The Scripture says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). It will shine on you, show you the right direction to walk in this dark world, and drive away the gloom and discouragement. "For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]" (Hebrews 4:12). It is alive and powerful and effective to change your life because, as the apostle Paul says, "All Scripture is God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16). The words of His book are not just any words such as the words you find in a self-help book or a newspaper. The Bible's words are God-breathed! When you spend time in the Word, you're taking His living words into your spirit and developing your relationship with Him. If you'll store up His Word in your heart, whether or not you feel it's doing something at the moment, God will bring it to life in you when you need it.
I want to challenge you to take ten minutes today, and tomorrow, and the next day to sit and be with God and read His Word. Get rid of whatever is blocking the light and let His presence shine on you and light your pathway to a blaze. Don't let anything keep you from it.