What’s in a name? For those who might be wondering about the meaning of my blog title, I began my explanation with a backstory and promised to follow up with a definition. Well, here goes…
When my decades-long quest to discover ways to cut through the overwhelming “noise” in life to be able to hear that still, small voice led me to start a blog, I decided upon the name “Light From the Deep.” Let’s start with the “Light” part.
“Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Of the many metaphors found throughout the bible, I am especially drawn to the biblical metaphor of light, which is in part why Matthew 5:16 is my chosen life verse. That said, I felt led to include the word “light” in the name of my blog. And, in simple terms, the light is Jesus.
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12
Jesus is the Light of the world. Jesus, who was sent into this dark and sin-filled place to serve as the atoning sacrifice to save us from the consequences of that sin, eternal separation from God. Jesus, who offers forgiveness and a restored relationship with God that we might live with Him eternally.
The light is God’s Spirit, living within us. Before returning to the Father, Jesus gave the promise of the Holy Spirit:
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17
The Holy Spirit, God’s seed of Light, lives within us, to guard and guide us. And Jesus, the Light of the world, who offers the gift of forgiveness and salvation through the atoning work of His death and resurrection.
However, the light is much more than just a bright spot in our hearts. It is living and active, and connecting with it offers peace and comfort, knowledge and wisdom, healing and strength, joy and hope. The light, in this sense, is what springs forth from our encounter with the One True God living within us. It is the love that is experienced as well as the insights gained as a result of that encounter.
Experiencing that Light involves a journey Into the Deep. A journey that takes us beyond the façade of everyday life, beyond the overwhelming “noise,” to the place where we have the opportunity to encounter and connect with the Light living within us.
And The Light From the Deep is the result of that journey. It is His love that remains in and with us as well as the insights we’ve gained that can make life on the surface more purposeful and meaningful. And a lot brighter.
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