I was sitting on a balcony tonight, not being able to sleep like normal people do.  I could hear the sporadic moving of traffic.  I could hear the sounds of the train yard as engines and cars pulled in for service or just passing through.  As I looked around, I could see the lights of the city.  Something that has intrigued me for a long time is the amount of lights that I see on in houses late at night.   In some cases I could see the flickering of the television as it displayed its vastness of programming.  I always ask myself, “I wonder what is keeping them up tonight?”  Maybe they are afraid of the dark. 

Sitting there, I heard familiar words from the scriptures, “You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill that cannot be hidden.”   “But how God?”  I asked.  “I’m just here, not really doing anything.”  A picture that I have seen several times appeared to me.  A picture of the world and the effects of lights as seen from far above. 

I realized something at that moment.  It’s not so much about what I do as it is about being.  The Word didn’t say that we were to act like a light.  It says we ARE the light.  When God creates something, He doesn’t tell it to do, He tells it to BE.  In the account of creation in the book of Genesis, the literal translation of His speaking light into existence wasn’t “let there be light” but rather “light be!” 

We have to understand the difference when God says something is or it is like.  For instance, Jesus said that our adversary, the devil, runs about like a roaring lion.  It never says he is a lion.  See the difference?  We give the devil too much credit.  He isn’t a lion but an imitation or mirror of the real thing.  What do I need to fear about something that isn’t the real thing?  In contrast, look through the Word and find statements that reveal what you are in Christ.  For instance, you ARE a child of God.  You ARE the temple of the Holy Spirit.  You ARE healed.  You ARE accepted in the Beloved (Christ).  

As I’m sitting there writing this, I’m also thinking about how many people right now are struggling in the nighttime.  For me, this is the best and the worst time of the day for me.  It is mostly quiet.  My phone isn’t ringing nor are there any emails or text messages coming in.  The television is off and other than that city noise, it’s mostly quiet.  That is good and bad for me.  While this is a special time when I sit and listen to Father speak, I also have to be careful because this is when the enemy can speak also.  First of all, I have to know my Father’s voice.  No exceptions.  If I don’t know His voice, then I could easily mistaken another’s voice for His.  Second, I have to understand His tone.  You can tell a person’s mood or disposition through their tone.  And yes, God has a mood.  There are times when His heart is breaking for people and He wants me to pray.  Sometimes, He just wants my worship and praise.  And other times, He’s speaking to me truth that I am to share with others.   Which brings me to my third point…not only do I need to hear and understand, but I must also do what He says, whether it be to pray, praise, or preach. 

Friend, tonight let me wrap this up by speaking to those of you who are struggling.  Maybe in the quiet you are rehearsing the previous day and beating yourself up over mistakes.  Maybe the stillness is bringing a lie from your adversary that is tormenting you.  Maybe you have even heard a lie and have spoken it to yourself.  Maybe you’ve said, “There’s no use.”  “It will never get better.”  Or even “There’s no reason for me to continue.”  Dear one, you are so precious to our Father.  Hear His voice of truth, grace, peace, and love.  Stop, get quiet, and listen for His voice.  You’ll know it.  It will bring peace to your troubled soul.   Don’t be afraid of the dark.