Inner Dimmer Switch

Inner Dimmer Switch

“God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” John 1:5

Dear friends,

As I gazed this morning with wonder at a tiny patch of grass, illuminated by a single ray of morning light, I was uplifted with affirmation of the Almighty. Like a retreating theater spotlight, the beam slowly overtook the darkness. Dim became brilliant. Radiance bloomed. God slowly spun the dimmer switch. Morning had broken.

1 John 1:5 declares, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.” For all of us who understand we were sealed by the Holy Spirit when we accepted Jesus as our Savior (Eph 1:13), and who earnestly yearn to well-represent Him in our thoughts, words, and deeds, we’re troubled by inner gloom. If the Holy Spirit resides in us, and if there is no darkness in Him at all, how can we still become crabby and cross? It’s surely a confusing conundrum. And when your mood plummets, commonly, so does your food. Ice cream comforts a downtrodden spirit.

As I’ve shared with you many a time, all too often petty annoyances transform into anger in me. Call me Crabby Abby. When I’m not getting my way, I rebel. My confidence in “all things work together for good” flies out the window. How can that happen in the Holy Spirit’s house? Sin, pure and simple. No one is righteous, no not one. And unfortunately, this side of the pearly gates, we’re prone to petulance.

Oh, how I wish my Father, just like Mr. Bodett at Motel 6, would keep His lights on in my temple, don’t you? Well let me give you a helpful hint, saints. God’s Word allows you to control your own inner dimmer switch. Yes, it’s true. Darkness and light cannot co-exist, so when you feel yourself sliding into the shadows, personalize and claim His promises aloud.

No temptation has overtaken me that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let me be tempted beyond my ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that I may be able to endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

I will be strong and courageous. I will not fear or be in dread of this situation, for it is the Lord my God who goes with me. He will not leave me or forsake me. Deuteronomy 31:6

I will not fear, for God is with me. I will not be dismayed, for He is my God. He will strengthen me. He will help me. He will uphold me with His righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Let’s pray, shall we?

Gracious heavenly Father, we love Your light, and abhor our inner darkness. But Lord, our flesh is constantly tugging us away from Your radiance, into a sullen spirit. We can’t change our habits or our moods without You. Your Word tells us our flesh has been crucified and we are new creatures, but Father our old self keeps cropping up. Only with scripture can we slay those unkind thoughts and carnal desires. Your Word brightens our soul and directs our tongue. Do a good work in us, Lord. Help us to keep our eyes on You. Put Your spotlight on our hearts, like the break of day.

Live Well,

Grace