Faith in a dark world

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

“There is no such thing as darkness,” said Malcolm Muggeridge, “only a failure to see.” But for a long while Muggeridge lived with a spiritual darkness so oppressing that he attempted to take his life. But in so doing, Muggeridge did an about face that ultimately brought him into the light of faith. This cynic-turned-believer understood that the only thing that dispels darkness is light, and turning on the light in our lives spiritually is not always as simple as turning on a switch.

Muggeridge also noted, “Only atheists never doubt; the moment one believes, one automatically doubts, doubt being an integral part of faith.” Many know that God is there but don’t know how to connect with Him. The connection with God is called faith, and faith is something you put or place in someone, not something you “work up.” It is responding to the invitation of Jesus, who said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 nkjv). It is believing that the promises of God’s Word have your name attached to them, that this marvelous God who sent His Son into our world knows your name, cares about you, and will respond to your heart cry.

A.W. Tozer, in his book The Pursuit of God, wrote, “When we lift our inward eyes to gaze upon God we are sure to meet friendly eyes gazing back at us, for it is written that the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout all the earth.”

See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice. Each man will be like a shelter from the wind, and a refuge from the storm, like streams of water in the desert and the shadow of a great rock in a thirsty land. Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed, and the ears of those who hear will listen. The mind of the rash will know and understand, and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear. Isaiah 32:1-4