During a season of greatest trial, I had a choice – hold on to a grudge against all who caused the trial and hardship OR forgive. I realized if I didn’t forgive there would always be something walled up around me that would stop God’s light from shining through me. I didn’t, and still don’t, want anything to affect the light of God flowing through me. So I decided to forgive.

Have you struggled with anxiety or depression or anger or restlessness? Is there a heaviness weighing you down? This list is only a short example of what results from the inability to forgive. And in some ways, it’s a type of darkness.

These things block us from feeling and seeing the light of Jesus in our life.

Years before the situation mentioned in the first paragraph, I suddenly became aware that I was walking a joyless path. A hollow feeling consumed me. I had been a follower of Jesus for decades, studying The Bible season after season, yet I found myself in a position of questioning and asking, “Where did my joy go? Did God remove my joy?” I was left wondering. Until I learned about forgiving.

In the situation above, it was hard to speak the words of forgiveness out loud, but I did it. I did not feel the forgiveness, or feel like forgiving but I spoke the words anyway. Over time I’ve had to repeat the spoken words, but each time I do, it gets easier. The best part comes from the testimony of others who say God’s light shines through me. Also, the more I spend time with the Lord the less I sense darkness threatening my joy.

The scriptures say the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2) The key is keeping that light – Jesus – shining in you.

Let His light shine on that very thing that holds you down. Then you will begin to experience The Joy of the Lord pushing away the darkness. He is our hope for the best. (Jeremiah 31:3)