What Is Feared?

There are many phobias (strong fears or dislikes) people may have. Though some phobias can be caused by some psychosomatic illness, others could be the result of previous traumatic experiences or merely be related to perceptions of what “might” be. In the dark it is easy to fear all kinds of things, both real or imagined. Wandering in the dark can pose some real dangers. Even a little bit of light can generally reduce the danger and ease some of that fear. However, some phobias may be produced simply due to a perception one “chooses” to hold.

Someone has said, “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when people are afraid of the light.” [anonymous quote]

Who would not like light? Who would prefer darkness over light? Well, an escaping convict would be fearful of the light being cast about by the searchlight of the guards. A thief will hide in the bushes out of fear of being exposed by the headlights of passing cars. The mugger prefers the darkness of the alleys to the lighted main streets where they might be spotted. And those who don’t want the truth prefer the darkness of ignorance or denial.

Jesus described this latter group of “light-o-phobics” as follows.
“(19) And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and PEOPLE LOVED THE DARKNESS rather than the light BECAUSE THEIR DEEDS WERE EVIL. (20) For everyone who does wicked things HATES THE LIGHT and DOES NOT COME TO THE LIGHT, LEST his deeds should BE EXPOSED. (21) But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been carried out in God.” ( John 3:19-21 ESV)

These “light-o-phobics” did not like the light. They did not want to come into the light. They did not want to be exposed by the light. Darkness was their cover and they liked it that way. However, the reality with which all must come to grips is that the darkness is as light to God ( Psalm 139:12) and LIGHT IS MORE POWERFUL than darkness.

How much do we LOVE LIGHT? How much do we love the truth and desire to bask in it its rays? How much do we appreciate the clarity the LIGHT OF JESUS brings to life? Do we truly enjoy HIS LIGHT? Like a moth, are we continually drawn to THAT LIGHT?

Jesus also stated…
“(33) No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. (34) Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. (35) Therefore BE CAREFUL lest the light in you be darkness. (36) If then your WHOLE BODY IS FULL OF LIGHT, having no part dark, it WILL BE WHOLLY BRIGHT, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” ( Luke 11:33-36 ESV)

May we eagerly seek for the LIGHT OF JESUS to continually shine on us and in us. This LIGHT OF TRUTH will serve to powerfully dispel the fears that could otherwise plague our life. May we always welcome His illumination.

Have a great day JOYFULLY BASKING IN THE LIGHT OF THE SON!
Carl

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