Keep Me Where the Light Is

When I was seven or eight, one of my favorite movies was The Tale of Despereaux. This story is rich with symbolism and meaning, and I could go on and on about how I believe it shaped me into who I am today. One theme throughout the movie is light. Despereaux the mouse lives in a castle basement, and spends hours watching sunlight filter through the windowpanes. And Roscuro the rat (whose name means "darkness and light together") removes a stone from the wall of his prison-like home so that he can be rejuvenated by the brightness of the outside world.

This imagery resonates with me so deeply. Even though I don't live in a dungeon, this world often feels very dark (even in its more pleasant corners). Sometimes I grow numb to the shadows - then I realize all the ways they've entered my own soul. This is why I'm so hungry to draw close to people and spaces full of hope, joy, purity, peace...and light.

For some of you, this might seem a bit abstract. However, I think it's a stirring metaphor, and I hope others feel the same. In John Mayer's song "Gravity", there's a repeating line that says: "Just keep me where the light is". This phrase has floated through my mind a lot lately. Like many of you, I've had my share of doubts. I've questioned God's existence, struggled with how to interpret some of the more challenging portions of Scripture, and wrestled over how all this should affect my daily life. Yet time and time again, an unmistakable kindness has found its way under my defenses. I guess you could call it grace. I've felt welcomed in, even when I was tempted to run. I've been in the presence of Christians who exuded contagious, supernatural love and freedom. I've read theological books that have awakened my heart and mind to the intricacies of who God is. And I've witnessed people (including myself) experience healing from mental, physical, and spiritual pain through the power of Jesus.

There are many more profound experiences I could list here, some of which are challenging to put into words. All this to say, I have chosen time and time again, by faith, to cling to Jesus with everything in me. There is no other way I would rather live. I feel as desperate to know God as Despereaux is to be close to the light. That's why I find it so glorious that Jesus identifies Himself as the light of the world.

My prayer for you today is that you will be filled with courage, and not let the lies of the enemy keep you from the light. Coming into the light can be uncomfortable, especially if you've been hiding from God or people in a certain area of your life for a long time. But please don't be afraid or ashamed. The Lord is a kind Shepherd, and there is great power in small steps towards transformation. I trust that someday, you will gaze around in wonder, and find that you are not who you used to be.

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he 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 (NIV)