The pressure of the hidden

Ever know anyone that lived a double life? One way in public, another in private. Social media promotes this. Honestly, the world promotes this.

We all live a double life to some extent. Maybe it is how you manage your finances. Maybe it is your thought life. Maybe it is the one thing that you just can’t shake. Maybe it is how you act at home versus in public. 

We all battle things that we believe need to remain hidden, remain in the dark. And, the dark hates the light.

Jesus is described as the light in John 1. A couple of verses are shared below.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬, ‭9‬ ‭‬‬

And, later in the book of John, he describes man’s battle against light. 

“And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Man hates the light. Strong language, but if you think about it, it is true.

We are drawn to the darkness naturally. We are drawn to jealousy, division, comparisons, the desire to receive glory, the love of money, acting one way publicly and a different way privately. These things come natural to all of us.

Whether they know it or not, noone really likes to hide things. In the long run, hidden things rob joy, steal happiness, create anxiety, and eat your soul. Any happiness from things hidden in the dark is temporary.

The answer to the battle against darkness is found in John 3, verses 21.

“But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”” John‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The answer is illumination. The light reveals. The light exposes. The lights brings into focus that which was hidden.

And, the light is full of unending grace. The light relieves pressure. The light gives hope.

To win the battle against the dark, bring your life into the light. The light of truth shines off the pages of Scripture. God illuminates through His Words.

A great prayer. “Jesus, you are the light. Come and illuminate every area of my life.”

Relieve the pressure of the dark.

Impact others. Live generously.