By: Peggy S. Councill 

¹⁵ No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  (Matthew 5:15 NLT) 

I want you to imagine the darkest place you have ever been. Was the dark so thick you could almost feel it touching your skin? While listening to a sermon at church recently, I heard this familiar verse in a whole new way. The contrast of darkness and light had me wondering about their effect on each of us, bringing it closer to an individual, personal level. 

Isn’t it amazing how a single beam of light within the darkness can bring new hope and encouragement? My husband, youngest daughter, and I were hiking and decided to explore an old railroad tunnel. About halfway through we were immersed into total darkness, and to our shock and horror, we began to hear the faint sound of a train’s whistle. Then a light appeared in the distance and began getting brighter and closer with every moment. Yet it was this light, which at the time felt so threatening and dangerous, that enabled us to see our surroundings enough to press ourselves tight against the wall and simply pray.

 There was no escape, the train was heading straight for us. As it became closer and louder, so did our prayers within our own hearts. We realized that it didn’t matter if we tried to run forward or turned around; we would not be able to get out of the tunnel before the train was upon us. The train came roaring through. 
We were so relieved to finally see the light of the caboose passing us by and then, quite understandably shaken, we just followed the train right back out of that tunnel. Thus ended my scariest encounter with light and/or the lack of it. All over the world, people are wandering around in the darkness within their own tunnels, and Jesus calls us to share with them about Himself, The Light of the world. 

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.  (Matthew 5:16 NLT)

That’s when I realized that each one of us can be like a light for the people around us. So can you think of ways to do this in your little corner of the world. Perhaps visit a neighbor who is all alone. Perhaps provide a meal for a homeless person. Could it be that just listening to someone who is hurting can help give them hope. We can all be lights within someone’s darkness. Pray and ask Jesus to show you who needs you to be His light today?