Darkness CANNOT Overtake God’s Light

Darkness CANNOT Overtake God’s Light       

Have you noticed there’s lots of darkness in our world?

It often seems like we’re surrounded by darkness and that it’s closing in. 

Notice, I said “seems like.” Seems like is not the reality for those of us who are in Christ. Yes, there’s a lot of darkness out there. But we don’t have to let it penetrate.  

Take a look at the encouraging words of the apostle, John. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing that was made was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5 NKJV).  

We who are in Christ have Christ in us. Therefore, His light is in us and cannot be overpowered nor overtaken by darkness.  

Look at the word used here in the New King James Version in verse 5—comprehend. “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” Other translations use such words as overcome and understand. 

According to Strong’s (#2638), comprehend, katalambano (kat-al-am-ban-oh), has three interpretations:

1- To seize, lay hold of, overcome. As such, verse 5 could read, “The darkness could not gain control of it.”

2- To perceive, attain, lay hold of with the mind; to apprehend with mental or moral effort. As such, verse 5 could read, “The darkness is unreceptive and does not understand it.” [WOW! We could camp out there for a while because lost people cannot understand why we think the way we think and do the things we do.]

3- To quench, extinguish, snuff out the light by stifling it. With this, verse 5 could read, “The darkness will never be able to eliminate it.”*

SO—

“Light and darkness essentially are antagonistic. The Christian’s joy is in knowing that light is not only greater than darkness but will also outlast the darkness.”* 

Therefore—

As we are very aware of the many facets of darkness, both near and far, we must guard against allowing it to penetrate us. And we have the means by which to do so.

We have the full armor of God—it’s our responsibility to wear it and wield it (Ephesians 6:10-18).

We have the Holy Spirit—its our responsibility to give Him full access to our spirit and soul and thus lead us along our way.  

Look at the words of Isaiah: 

Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness. Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, … 

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; They rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.
For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire.

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this  (Isaiah 8:22; 9:1a, 2-7 NKJV).

Photo by Connie Wohlford

“The challenge of the day is to live a Christian life in a post-Christian world. Christ’s light must shine through our lives, and the deeper the darkness, the brighter that light must be.” -Woodrow Michael Kroll

Let’s pray: Holy Father, as we live in the midst of thick darkness, let us not forget that we once walked in darkness ourselves. Thank You for giving us the Light of Christ and help us to allow His light to shine through us so others will want to know Him. We’re grateful to know that He is the Light which no darkness can comprehend in any sense of the word. Hallelujah! And in His name—the mighty name of Jesus—we pray, Amen.  

Your comments are welcome. 

*Spirit Filled Life Bible, Thomas Nelson Publishing, Word Wealth, p 1573

©Connie Wohlford 2019