09/03/2026
ONE STEP CLOSER TODAY
Growing closer to Christ, one day at a time.
Day 2 — The Darkness Has Not Overcome
SCRIPTURE John 1:4–5 “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”
Last time, we began our journey through John by looking at who Jesus is. John didn't begin with Bethlehem. He didn't begin with the manger. He took us all the way back to “the beginning.” Jesus was there before creation. He is the Word who was with God and was God. Today, John tells us what is found in Him: Life. And that life is the light of mankind. That's important because John doesn't pretend that the world is a place without darkness. He says: “The light shines in the darkness…The darkness is real. There is no denying that. We see it all around us. And if we're honest, sometimes it feels like it's winning.
MEANING
We don't have to look very far to see darkness, do we? We see it in the brokenness of our world. In our communities. In our government. We see war, violence, injustice, sickness, homelessness, addiction, loneliness, and grief. We see relationships falling apart. We see sin being glorified all around us. We watch people we love make decisions that hurt themselves and others. And sometimes the darkness feels much more personal. A cancer diagnosis. A financial struggle. A broken relationship. A child who has walked away from God or us. A prayer that seems unanswered. A season where you don't understand what God is doing. There are moments when we can look at our circumstances and quietly wonder:
“God, where are You?”
I know I'm not alone in this. David asked similar questions throughout the Psalms. He cried out to God in the middle of his own darkness, confusion, and pain. John doesn't tell us that darkness isn't real. He tells us something better. He gives us a message of hope. Something that can help us amid the darkness: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Notice what John doesn't say. He doesn't say the darkness won't surround us. He doesn't say Christians won't suffer. He doesn't say we'll always understand what God is doing. He says: The darkness has not overcome the Light. Jesus is still the Light that shines in the darkest moments of our lives. He is always present. Always faithful. Always in control.
APPLICATION
Sometimes our circumstances can make us believe that darkness is winning. I've often felt that way in my own life. But our circumstances don't determine who Jesus is. Jesus doesn't stop being the Light because your life feels dark. He doesn't stop being faithful because we don't understand. He doesn't stop being good because something painful has happened to us or someone we love. And He doesn't stop being Lord because the world seems to be falling apart. The Light still shines. Jesus is the Light. Think about walking into a completely dark room and turning on a light. The darkness doesn't fight back and overpower the light. The moment the light appears, darkness begins to disappear. John is giving us hope to hold onto. Evil may appear powerful, but it will not have the final word. Suffering may be part of our story, but it isn't the end of the story. And whatever darkness you're walking through today: Jesus is still there.
Sometimes the hardest part is surrendering what we cannot control. I know I want answers. I want justice. I want a solution immediately. I want to know how everything is going to work out. And sometimes I take on burdens that don't belong to me. But carrying those burdens doesn't make me more faithful. It doesn't change the situation. And it doesn't help me or the people around me. There comes a point when we have to say: “Jesus, this is bigger than me. I'm putting it in Your hands.” That's not giving up. That's trusting God. We don't surrender because we believe nothing can be done. We surrender because we believe Jesus is in control. Only Jesus can defeat the darkness around us.
HOW TO TAKE ONE STEP CLOSER
Today, identify one area of darkness in your life. Maybe it's something you're worried about. Maybe it's something you're grieving. Maybe it's something happening in the world that has discouraged you. Maybe it's something you simply cannot control. Don't pretend it's not there. Bring it to Jesus.
“Jesus, I don't understand everything happening here, but I believe You are still the Light. Help me trust You today.”
That's your one step closer today.
Let's share our thoughts with one another. It will help us grow and overcome the darkness in our lives.
