“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
John 1:5 (NIV)
The room was dark, so I lit six candles.
At first, I placed them all together in one corner. The light was beautiful, but it only touched a small portion of the room. The rest remained in shadow.
It wasn’t until I spread the candles out around the room that the darkness began to retreat. The light filled every corner. What had once felt heavy and hidden was suddenly visible.
Isn’t that how we sometimes treat Jesus?
We invite Him into our hearts, but we keep Him contained. Maybe He’s present at church. Maybe He’s welcomed in conversations with Christian friends. But in other areas, our habits, our entertainment, certain relationships, our private thoughts; we keep Him tucked away in a corner.
And then we wonder why we still feel lost. Why we still feel disconnected. Why something feels unsettled.
Jesus isn’t meant to occupy one corner of our lives. He is the Light of the World.
When we compartmentalize our faith, we limit His transforming power. But when we spread His presence into every part of our lives, our decisions, our conversations, our social circles, our quiet moments; His light exposes what doesn’t belong.
And light does something powerful: it drives out what thrives in darkness.
When you flip on a light in a dark room, the bugs scatter. They cannot remain where light fills the space. In the same way, when we allow Christ’s light into our hidden places, sin loses its comfort. Shame loses its grip. The things that once felt normal begin to feel out of place.
Sometimes that exposure feels uncomfortable. But it is not meant to shame us, it is meant to free us.
If you would be uncomfortable inviting Jesus into a situation, that discomfort may be the Holy Spirit gently guiding you. The Christian life isn’t about hiding Jesus in our hearts while blending into the world. It’s about letting His light shine through every part of us.
True peace and contentment come when there are no dark corners left. When our heart, mind, soul, and daily life are fully surrendered to Him.
Spread the candles.
Let the light fill the room.
Ask yourself…
1. Are there areas of my life where I have kept Jesus in the “corner” instead of inviting Him fully in?
2. What situations or habits would make me uncomfortable if I intentionally pictured Jesus present with me?
3. Have I been ignoring the gentle conviction of the Holy Spirit in any area?
4. What is one practical way I can “spread the light” in my daily routine this week?
Lord Jesus, You are the Light that darkness cannot overcome. Forgive me for the times I have kept You contained to certain areas of my life. I don’t want to live with hidden corners or divided devotion. Search my heart and reveal anything that does not reflect You. Give me courage to surrender every habit, relationship, and thought that keeps me in the shadows. Shine in me. Fill every space. Drive out what does not belong. Help me live in the freedom, peace, and joy that come from walking fully in Your light. In Jesus name, Amen.