At the  beginning of creation, the first words spoken by God were powerful and full of purpose: *“Let there be light.”* With this simple yet profound command, darkness was pierced, and order began to take shape. God did not form the world in light—He created light first so that everything else could come to life. This was not just physical light; it symbolized the beginning of hope, clarity, and divine presence in a dark and formless world.

Throughout Scripture, light is more than illumination—it is a symbol of God’s nature, His truth, and His guidance. Psalm 27:1 declares, *“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”* Light reveals what is hidden, exposes what is dangerous, and leads us safely on our path. When we walk in the light of God, we walk in truth and protection. His light gives us direction in moments of confusion and hope when life feels dim.

In John 8:12, Jesus declared, *“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”* This shows us that Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of that first command in Genesis. He didn’t just bring light into the world—He *is* the Light. When we follow Him, we are no longer bound by the darkness of sin, fear, or despair. His presence brings clarity where there is uncertainty, joy where there is sorrow, and healing where there is brokenness.

But the light is not meant for us to keep to ourselves. Jesus also said in Matthew 5:14, *“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”* As His followers, we are called to reflect His light to the world around us. In a time when many are walking through emotional, spiritual, and moral darkness, we are called to shine—not with our own strength, but with His love and truth radiating through our lives.

To shine His light, we must stay connected to the source. Just like a lamp cannot glow without being plugged into power, we cannot shine unless we remain in Christ. This happens through prayer, reading His Word, and living in obedience. As we do, we become beacons of hope—whether it’s by encouraging a hurting soul, sharing the gospel, or simply living with integrity in a dark world.

So today, if you feel surrounded by darkness—whether through hardship, doubt, or fear—remember that God's first word over creation was *“Let there be light.”* He is still speaking that into our lives today. His light is stronger than any darkness, and it can never be overcome (John 1:5). Let that light flood your heart, and may it shine through you into the lives of others.