I Choose Today to Shine Light in the Darkness

Lately, it feels like everywhere we turn, evil is making the headlines. Violence, hatred, division—it can all feel so loud, so overwhelming, so heavy. And if I’m honest, sometimes it feels like evil is winning. That it’s snuffing out what is good and leaving fear in its place. Maybe you’ve felt that too.

But here’s the thing: darkness can never overcome darkness. It just multiplies it. The only thing that can overcome darkness is light. Jesus said, “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). And then He turned around and told us, “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14–16).

That means the same Light that overcame death and the grave lives inside of us. We are called to carry that light into the world—not by shouting louder, but by living differently. Not by fueling anger, but by showing love. Not by retreating in fear, but by standing firm in faith.

I think about how Jesus modeled this. He never fought evil with evil. He never answered hate with hate. Even on the cross, when He was mocked and beaten, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He washed Judas’ feet, knowing betrayal was coming. He chose mercy where we would have chosen revenge. That’s not weakness—that’s strength. That’s the kind of light the darkness cannot overcome.

And when I look at Scripture, I see the reminder that even when evil seems to have its way, God is still at work. Joseph told his brothers who had betrayed him, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20). Paul wrote, “In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God brings justice in His timing, not ours. Evil may seem to roar for a moment, but it never has the final word.

So how do we respond? Do we lash out in anger? Do we return judgment for judgment? Do we divide ourselves even further? Or do we choose unity, love, grace, forgiveness? Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” That is the call. It doesn’t mean we ignore the reality of what’s happening. It means we step into it differently, carrying the light of Christ when the world desperately needs it.

Friend, I don’t have all the answers. I can’t fix what feels broken all around us. But I know this: light is stronger than darkness. Always. And when we choose to shine—to love when it would be easier to hate, to forgive when it would feel better to retaliate, to show grace when the world is shouting—something shifts. The darkness doesn’t win.

I choose today to shine light in the darkness. Will you join me?

A Prayer in the Darkness

Lord, our hearts are heavy. We grieve the violence, the loss, and the brokenness we see around us. We lift up the families who are left behind—spouses, children, parents, friends—asking You to surround them with Your comfort that passes all understanding.

Jesus, You are the Light of the world. When evil seems loud, remind us that the darkness cannot overcome Your light. When anger rises, teach us to respond with love. When fear creeps in, anchor us in Your peace.

We pray for our nation, fractured and weary. Heal division. Quiet hostility. Turn hearts toward You, the only One who can bring true restoration.

Use us, Lord, as carriers of Your light in our homes, neighborhoods, and communities. May our words and actions point people back to You.

In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.