Some things you don’t notice till the lights are off. I had that experience once when I was visiting some relatives and they let me stay in the bedroom of one of the kids. When I turned off the lights I discovered a lot of little glow-in-the-dark things were pasted to the ceiling. A moon, some stars and planets were all glowing above me. They were only seen when the room got dark.

In a similar way, in life some good things are only seen when it gets dark. Trials and troubles can be dark and scary times, but they can also be opportunities to see the light of Jesus’ love.

Our country and world has been going through some dark days with the pandemic, protests, unrest, injustice, violence, economic troubles and sharp divisions. Many are also suffering through the darkness of isolation and depression. In spite of all the darkness, however, light can be seen, if we have eyes to see it.

In a loving congregation, when one person is sick, others in the congregation rise up and serve. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (I Corinthians 12:26). People pray, they call, they send emails, they bring food. I’ve appreciated seeing the light of service in Jesus’ name shining through the darkness of trials.

The challenges we have encountered in meeting together during the pandemic has felt dark at times, but light has been shining through the darkness. It has been good to see the longing many have to be in worship and the sincere desire to be in God’s Word. When the opportunity to worship with others comes again after you haven’t been able to do it for a time, the light shines all the brighter.

Times of isolation from others can be hard. Those times, though, can help us appreciate how good it is that we get to be part of God’s family. After some isolation that might seem a little dark, the joy of being able to be with others shines bright and beautiful.

“The light shines in the darkness” (John 1:5). The light of Jesus’ love and grace shines in this dark world. No matter how dark it gets, nothing can put out the light. Jesus promised, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

Even though there is much darkness around us, we don’t have to walk in darkness. The light of Jesus can shine in our lives. Our home is not the darkness but the light.

It has been said, “It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.” It is tempting to spend much time cursing the darkness; talking about how bad things are and how far into darkness the world has fallen. It is better to shine the light of Jesus. Shine His light by showing people grace, serving others in love, and letting people know how good and great is our God.

Ask God to give you eyes to see the good things He is doing in the midst of this dark world. The light of God’s grace and mercy and love is shining all around us. Blessed are the eyes that see.