His Ever Present Light is Greater Than This Present Darkness

This. Present. Darkness.

I heard these three words strung together as Chelsey, the host of the Living with Less Podcast quoted verse 12 of Ephesians 6 in the English Standard Version. This verse is found in the passage of scripture that explains what the armor of God is and why we, as Christians, should take up this armor every single day.

When I heard Chelsey say these words, and read them again in God’s Word, it reminded me of a book I read years ago when I first started walking with the Lord. The book, This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti, is a fictional allegory that sheds light on a spiritual reality. There’s a reason God gives us His armor. We are at war with the forces of evil. Light vs Dark. Good vs Evil. God vs Satan.

The sole purpose of the armor of God is to battle THIS PRESENT DARKNESS.

THIS. As in “This” right here, not “that” over there. It is right in front of us. It is creeping up behind us, and it is all around us seeking to devour us. It is THIS present darkness. This one here, up close and personal. Not “that” one, way over there, far away, staying at bay.

PRESENT. As in present, not absent. It is here and accounted for. It is not missing in action, on leave, or excused. It is PRESENT. It is also PRESENT. As in present tense, not past or future tense (although it was present then and will be until the end). It is PRESENT. Right here and right now.

DARKNESS. As in pure evil. Vile. I think there’s a reason evil and vile are made up of the same letters. It doesn’t matter how you try to change it, rearrange it, or explain it, evil is evil, vile is vile, and both are wicked and sick and lead to destruction and death. 

I’ve been thinking about this present darkness quite a bit lately. I know that probably seems pretty morbid, but I think my mind goes there because this darkness is so evidently here. THIS DARKNESS is PRESENTLY PRESENT. Here and now. Not a thing of the past or a future threat. And it is trying to not only dim the Light, but to diminish it altogether.

 Yes, the presence of darkness is all around us, and this present darkness is trying to confound us.

In my opinion, it’s not as subtle or as sly as it once was. It’s more blatant and obvious. I feel like I’m watching some time lapse, 3-D movie of darkness moving in. It’s not slow or unnoticeable by gradually growing dim. It’s blatant and obvious, bullying its way in.

And honestly, it has me perplexed. Why do so many not see it? And what am I not seeing, too?

There’s just so much darkness in this world. There always has been and always will be as long as we are living in this fallen world, because the moment sin entered in, darkness has been trying its darnedest to snuff out the light.

As Christians, children of light, we are to walk in the light, as He is in the light (1 John 1:7). And because He has brought us out of the darkness and into the light (1 Peter 2:9), we are to “take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).

So then, why are so many Christians idly standing by, not only watching darkness creep in, but in some ways aiding and abetting the attack. Why does it seems so many are closing their eyes instead of exposing the lies?

I ask myself these questions over and over again, and then I realize the truth in these verses, and friends, LIGHT DOES WIN!

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

There’s hope when we stay close. Light wins in the end. This present darkness will one day be diminished forever by His ever present light.

The battle is His, but He give us His armor, and with His armor, we have His favor. He is on our side.

If God is for us, who can be against us. Romans 8:31

This present darkness has no authority. It has no hold on you and me.

When suited up, we can show up, stand up, and never give up, knowing His ever present light is greater than this present darkness. Light wins. Darkness has an end.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:10-18