The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5

This world is dark and hectic and anxious. It’s treacherous, and it’s hard to know who to trust. It seems like the bad guys are winning and the good guys are losing. The things we see on social media are more appalling. The media is more deceptive and the people more gullible. Everything is too expensive, everyone is incredibly self-centered. It’s discouraging and painful. Every day feels like a battle, and we’re tired.

But the darkness has not overcome. In the darkness is that spark that is waiting to burst into a wildfire. This is the promise that we have: We know Who wins.

When John was writing these words, I can only imagine what was going through his head — I wonder if it’s similar to when I, as someone who has written about and seen some of the darkest unkindness and depravity of the human condition and can be greatly affected by a sense that all hope is lost, stop and remind myself that This Is Not All There Is.

It’s not. This day, this week, this year, this lifetime may seem as though it is a constant fight. It may seem as though the moments of joy are fleeting and the suffering is constant. It can feel like the money will never be right, your health will never be better, or that the situation you’re dealing with will always be in the worst possible place.

But, as I like to say, THIS ISN’T REAL. This, compared to Heaven, compared to all Eternity, IT’S NOT REAL! Sure, we’re here and it’s happening, but this is the precursor. We’re just here opening the door to eternity, and so often God has told us that our treasures are stored in Heaven.

Be strong, and take heart, and wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14). The darkness has not overcome. ❤️🔥