Day 13: Light Becomes Darkness

This blog has taken a turn as I have been, not struggling, but redefining what and who I am as a Believer. Today's word reflects that when we are on top of the mountain, when God has blessed us greatly, that we are not to forget it and must take advantage of that high point. If we fail to do so, our light will become darkness.

While that may sound like a great Lord of the Rings theme, I find it a little sad and unsettling. I never knew that our light, something good, could turn into darkness, something bad. The way this happens is through laziness and self-gratification. These two giants on the Everyday Christians' Top 5 Diseases can make us bad. Crazy? But what else are we to feel after living in the dark shadows for months, or even years? Aren't we allowed to take some time and smell some of that mountaintop air and soak in the sun? But no. According to the word, "Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you..." John 12.35.

Great, so after months of suffering, I now have to keep moving from my spot of great joy, probably forward into another valley of darkness. No wonder so many Christians just stay still while the times are good. Yes, it's a bit hedonistic, but we are only human. When something feels good, in this case it is God's blessings, we get comfortable. We sure can use some comfort in this life of turbulence.

In my life, I have few to little experiences at the so-called top of the mountain. Therefore, it would be impossible for me to understand. For me, and maybe just me, a lot of Christianity is joyless. Maybe that is the darkness the reading is talking about. I enjoy some parts. I like the songs and studying the word. But I fail to see real life application...IN MY LIFE. I think it's great that people pray to a God, as do I, for things. It just gets old when these prayers go unanswered, or take a long time to be answered. I truly believe that God is good, especially since he allows us to mess up our own lives if we choose. Freedom to choose is the best gift God gave us, almost as great as giving us Jesus. It gives our life a purpose in which we have a sense of control.

Little sleep, among other things, has made me irritable for today. I'll be fine after a swim in the pool.