Article II: Our Soul and the Natural World

A few weeks back, I began a series on the natural world and how we can let nature, the world God created, bring healing, and joy to our soul. We started with light. If you missed that post, you can read it here.

Today I want to post another article in this series. I’m completely convinced the world God created is purposed for our health; physically, emotionally and spiritually. The environments where we spend time affect our lives. I want to take one more look at light before we move on to sound, sight, exercise and perhaps a few others.

Light vs. Darkness: This scripture just grabs me: Luke 22:53 NIV Jesus said: Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.

This encounter occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was betrayed into the hands of those who were determined to see Him dead.

Now read between the lines. Darkness reigns. Sin, satan, evil reigns in the darkness. Why do you suppose Jesus said this? Look at the ESV rendering:

Luke 22:53 ESV When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

I get the cold shivers when I read this passage. It’s obvious that the powers of evil live in darkness.

So what does this mean for our lives as believers. Stay out of the dark. Literally and figuratively. Now think about this with me. Isn’t it interesting that we as humans desire to sleep at night? We remain unaware and inactive during the night. Now, some of you skeptics out there may disagree but walking with Jesus all these years, I yearn to live in the light. I don’t even like it when it’s foggy here in May and June. Bring on the sunshine. I go to bed early and wake up with the dawn. It’s awesome.

We can’t ignore the fact that great evil takes place in darkness (and the light as well.) However, it seems to me Jesus was warning us that evil thrives in the dark. Secrets we keep in the dark, untold and unconfessed hold us captive. I think television programing in the late evening hours attest to the enemy’s power. Have you watch any of it lately? Sheesh.

I once heard an interview with a young man who was a Christian and once was possessed by a demon. He tells of his life during that time that he hated to go outside in the light that the spirit in him wouldn’t allow it. Fascinating. I also wonder if you are like me. There are times I can look at a stranger and I can feel the dark. I look in their eyes and I see they are dark.

It is healthier for us physically and spiritually to live in light. Open the shades, open God’s Word. Clean out the dark places in your heart and thrive. Avoid the darkness for that is where satan will use his power. Why give the enemy more advantage? Spiritual warfare is fought with the light. In the spiritual realm and in the physical. Thrive in the light and start fighting.

Okay, I’m really interested in your thoughts on this post. Be blessed, Lynn

Next post: In a bad mood? I bet I have something to help you out.