Either my pantry is shrinking or my kids are growing. I’m not referring to their caloric intake (though that does involve a pantry shrinkage of a different sort). I’m talking about the tiny pantry space itself, which multi-tasks as our official glow-in-the-dark testing station.

The pantry is the guaranteed, darkest spot in our house for testing glow-in-the-dark items like LEGO pieces and glowing pajama shirts. This time, however; we crammed into the small space for a science activity. The light was off, and we stared into the darkness. Then, with a click of a button, the flashlight’s beam illuminated the canned goods and cardboard labels.

This activity marked the start of our unit about light. A basic, elementary concept. We have existed with light since Genesis 1:2. We expect its continual arrival each new day, showcasing God’s tender mercies on his creation. Yet, today, the simple explanation of light overwhelmed me. “You couldn’t see anything when you were in the dark room, because there was no light. When the lights were turned on, suddenly there was light streaming from its source. Some of that light started hitting the people and objects in the room. It then reflected off those people and objects and went into your eyes. Your eyes then sent information about the people and objects to your brain, and that allowed you to see them” (Wile, Science in the Beginning, p. 2).

The Holy Spirit reminded me of David’s beautiful statement: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s Word is precious to me because it provides discernment, conviction, and direction in this world of sin and confusion—in a word, light! What is the opposite of light? Darkness. Isaiah described the people as “living in the land of deep darkness” (Isaiah 9:2)—a darkness much deeper than my humble pantry. A darkness of the soul; the ignorance of the Saviour as a gentle guide and friend.

John describes Jesus as the Word who existed with God from the beginning. The Word who created. The Word who has life and light in him (John 1:1–5).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Aren’t you glad that the “God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6)?

Paul goes on to say that we hold this glorious truth in weak and broken vessels. John says we need confession to return to the pure light of fellowship with God and with each other (1 John 1:5–7). Ephesians 5:8 states the Christian’s reality: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.”

Forget the past darkness you lived in. Forget the darkness that tries to assault and lure you. Fix your eyes on the Light. Rejoice that he has not left you defenseless and clueless. His Word is with you and can dwell richly within you (Colossians 3:16). Then, rise and walk in his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)!