Experiencing a power outage is no fun! It is especially no fun when you are by yourself and not prepared. Groping in the dark and struggling with the simplest of tasks can feel so frustrating!

Isn't this how life can be when we are facing the most difficult situations? We have no physical shortage of power, but deep within, we don't seem to have the strength; life just feels so dark!

God's Word says, "When we were yet without strength, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

God fully knows us and sees us when we cannot see and when we feel like we can't go on. He has allowed us to come to the end of ourselves to show us that He is really who we need. He is there when life suffocates us in the deepest and darkest circumstances. He wants us to trust Him in the dark. When we long for light in these terribly difficult circumstances, we are really longing for Him.

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all (1John 1:5). The Lord Jesus said that He is the light of the world and that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

Light is amazing! It shows us the truth that is right in front of us. Light keeps us safe, and it gives us direction. God's Word is a lamp for your feet, and a light for your path (Psalm 119:105). He will never steer you in the wrong way!

When we enter a relationship with Jesus Christ, we get all the benefits of His light for our lives. Without Jesus, we remain in the dark. We remain separated from Him, and we really have no hope or truth to stand on. Worst of all, we remain in danger because we have never come to know the forgiveness of sins and let Him truly be God in our lives.

Jesus stands ready to receive you. Your darkest hour is not dark to Him because He endured all the darkness of the whole world's sins upon Himself, when He died on the cross and suffered judgment on your behalf and mine. It was so dark for the Lord Jesus that He cried out, "My God, My God why have you forsaken me" (Matthew 27:46). God turned His back on His Son so that you could have a relationship with Him and never be alone in your darkness again.

You are that valued, and you are that loved, and yes, your sin and my sin was that terrible!

Jesus is the one true mediator and friend who can bring you to God and give you the peace and forgiveness you really need in your life right now. Come to Him in simple faith no matter how dark your world is. Then you will be able to say with confidence, "The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid (Psalm 27:1).

If you choose to stay in the darkness of your sins and the darkness of your circumstances, you remain in danger! The devil does his most tragic work through the darkness. He comes to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus came to give you life and give it to the full (John 10:10). Choose this day whom you will serve! Can you say with confidence, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord?" (Joshua 24:15).

During the New Year of 2024, may you enjoy walking in the light with the Lord Jesus Christ as your guide. The darkness will never overcome you if you belong to Him! May the Lord bless you and keep you; may His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you peace (Numbers 6:24–26).

Becky Kew shares good news at Sandy Bay First Nation, Manitoba, Canada. BeckyKew@ outlook.com.