I saw this coming, but it still got me! Ugh!

While in the winter time, in many places, the sun seemingly disappears. We often use phrases like “we cant see the sun for 4 months”. But the reality is that the sun has not disappeared. Though it may be obscured, it is still there. Even myself, usually around this time of year, I want some sunlight. I need to go to Florida, or a tropical island for a week. I know it’s coming, yet every year I am still unprepared for how long winter is and how dark it gets.

Similarly, in our lives, circumstances may obscure, the Divine Light of God, but rest assured, His light is the real backdrop to the universe, no matter how dark it appears to be in our telescopes.

Think Darkness Wins? Think Again.

For many Christian professionals, stress and anxiety can feel like an overwhelming darkness—an endless void where hope and peace flicker briefly but ultimately fade. It’s easy to view this darkness as the background of our lives, with light and beauty appearing only as temporary visitors. But what if the opposite is true?

What if light is the true essence of all things, the foundation of existence itself?

Rediscovering the Light That Never Fades

The universe often feels steeped in chaos, but Scripture and ancient wisdom reveal a powerful truth: the darkness has limits. It was never meant to last. The light of God, the Creator of all, is the eternal backdrop, while darkness is the anomaly, an exile awaiting its end.

As professionals navigating stressful careers and demanding lives, this truth is a lifeline. It reminds us that the challenges we face—the confusion, frustration, and even despair—are not permanent. They are temporary shadows cast against the unchanging radiance of God’s light.

The Light Within All Things

Consider this: every living being, every atom, every thought at its core is infused with God’s light. From the beginning of time, the Creator’s infinite light has been the essence of all existence. And at its deepest level, every part of creation longs to return to that light.

This longing isn’t just philosophical—it’s practical. It explains why moments of clarity, joy, and peace resonate so deeply. These moments reflect our true nature and draw us closer to God’s light.

How to Contemplate Light Amid Stress

As Christian professionals, we can tap into this profound reality to alleviate stress and anxiety. Here are a few contemplative practices:

1. Meditate on God’s Eternal Light

Set aside a few moments each day to reflect on the truth that God’s light is unchanging and present in all things. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and repeat a simple prayer: “Lord, uncover the light within me.”

2. Shift Your Focus from Darkness to Light

When overwhelmed, pause and remind yourself that challenges are temporary shadows. Look for God’s hand in small blessings: a kind word, a solution you didn’t expect, or the beauty of creation.

3. Anchor Your Hope in the Promise of Restoration

Though I am not Jewish, a Midrash (- a Jewish mode of interpretation), teaches, “When the world was made, a limit was set how long it will function in dimness.” As Christians, we know that this promise points to the ultimate restoration in Christ. Hold onto this truth when life feels chaotic.

A Future Without Darkness

The darkness we experience—stress, worry, uncertainty—does not define us. It does not have the final word. In the fullness of time, God’s light will be fully revealed, and the shadows will vanish.

As you face the challenges of work and life, remember: the light of the Creator is already within you. And one day, we will look back and see that the darkness never truly was—it was only a fleeting contrast to God’s eternal brilliance.

Take courage, for the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness will not overcome it (John 1:5).