Photo by David Clode on Unsplash
In dense forests, sunlight struggles to reach the ground. Tall trees and layered leaves create shadows that stretch across the forest floor, leaving only brief shafts of light where gaps break through. Yet wherever sunlight touches, life thrives—ferns unfurl, moss brightens, and seedlings lean toward its warmth. This simple phenomenon—phototropism—reveals how living things instinctively turn toward light, reaching for what sustains and guides their growth.
Have you ever felt yourself reaching for clarity in confusion, straining to find direction when the path ahead seems hidden? Maybe it was during transition, uncertainty, or grief when life felt dim and disorienting. In those seasons, we often long for just one precise beam of understanding, one moment of insight to help us move forward. What “light” have you turned toward when shadows surround you?
Just as plants bend instinctively toward the light, our spirits are drawn to what illuminates truth and gives meaning. Light reveals what is real, bringing form to what was formless and direction to what was uncertain. Spiritually, the light of divine presence functions the same way. It doesn’t always remove the forest, but creates a path. And when we walk in that light, we begin to see who we are—and where we’re going—with clarity.
“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'” (John 8:12 ESV)
Jesus declares Himself to be the source of illumination for a world shrouded in spiritual darkness, promising that those who follow Him will exchange confusion and blindness for clarity and vision. Without divine light, we cannot see spiritual realities, recognize truth, or find our way to authentic life.
“For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.” (Psalm 36:9 ESV)
The psalmist acknowledges God as the origin of life and the source of true understanding. By poetically linking two powerful metaphors—flowing water and illuminating light—to describe God’s life-giving presence. Because only when we see by God’s light can we perceive reality as it truly is, unclouded by deception or limited perspective.
Spiritual Move: Guidance—Seeking God’s direction and counsel during life’s journey. Walking in the light requires ongoing attentiveness to God’s illuminating presence, allowing His wisdom to direct our path rather than stumbling forward by our limited sight.
Journaling Prompts:
1. Reflect on an area of your life where you feel confused or uncertain. How might Jesus’ light bring clarity to this situation?
2. Describe a time when following God’s guidance led you somewhere unexpected but good. What did this teach you about trusting His light?
Thought and Discussion Questions:
1. What are some practical ways we can “follow” Jesus as the light of the world in our daily lives?
2. How does cultural darkness distort our understanding of what constitutes “the good life”?
3. What helps you distinguish between God’s light and other voices competing for your attention?
4. How might regularly practicing the Spiritual Move of guidance transform your decision-making process?