Yesterday we reflected on one area of our past that keeps us living in the shadows. There is also another area of shady living that we need to recognize and deal with. A famous psychiatrist, Carl Jung, has called it the dark side of our personality. These personality traits, which form a shadow of our flawed self, are defects we would prefer to hide.
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. These traits have been hiding under the cover of mood-altering elements. Those of us who have relapsed a few times recognize a dark urge within us that seems uncontrollable. We wonder, with varying degrees of unease, if we can live beyond its power. This shadow self has been described as a force within us that causes us to do things that hurt ourselves and others. These actions cause us grief, guilt, and shame. Jesus is the light of life and if we walk in His light He will reveal the dark things hidden deep within us, and by the power of the Holy Spirit they will be revealed and eliminated. Jesus 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)
God provides the help and power we need to leave the darkness behind. When we turn our lives over to the care of God and follow His guidance, He promises to lead us safely forward.
You will open eyes that can’t see. You will set prisoners free. Those who sit in darkness will come out of their cells. I will lead them along paths they had not known before. I will guide them on roads they are not familiar with. I will turn the darkness into light as they travel. I will make the rough places smooth. Those are the things I will do. I will not desert my people. (Isaiah 42:7, 16 NIRV)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I want to come out of the shadows and live totally in the light. Open my eyes to recognize those things that hinder me. Be my light as I leave behind the dark things that keep me in bondage to the past. I trust You to guide me safely forward, even when I do not know the way. I am thankful that You are always with me, and will never leave or forsake me. Amen
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