There is a form of life in the shadows that is negative and promotes “shady living”. A famous psychiatrist, Carl Jung, has called it the dark side of our personality. These traits, the defects we would prefer to hide, actually form a shadow of our flawed self.
The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright give thought to their ways. (Proverbs 21:29 NIV)
When we stop using an addictive substance or try to quit an unhealthy habit, before we know it, out from the shadows bursts anger, frustration, resentment, or fear which have been hiding under the cover of our addictive mood altering substances. This shadow self becomes evident when we feel compelled to do things that hurt ourselves and others. Our actions later cause us grief, guilt, and shame. One New Testament author describes the actions of this shadow self in this way: I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. (Romans 7:21-23 NLT)
Those of us who have relapsed a few times know about the dark urge that lurks in the shadows of our recovery, and seems at times, to override our desire for a new way of life. We wonder, with varying degrees of unease, if we can really overcome its power.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has provided victory over all sin, including sin that lurks in the shadows. As we surrender the dark areas of our lives to Jesus, and begin to walk in the light of His presence, we will experience the true light that leads to life. Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)
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