Then Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 (HCSB)

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5 (NIV)

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I love singing the children’s song, “This Little Light of Mine” with my grandgirlies:

Verse 1: This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine

Let it shine,

Let it shine,

All the time.

Verse 2: Hide it under a bushel? No!

I’m gonna let it shine (Repeat)

Verse 3: Won’t let Satan blow it out

I’m gonna let it shine (Repeat)

Even if the girlies don’t know all the words, they know all the motions and how to hide their light (index finger) under a bushel (hand covering the finger) and how to blow it out.

The daily goal of the Christian life is to walk in that light but, sometimes, we find ourselves in the shadows.

My counselor mentioned the term “shadow self” during one of our sessions and it was unfamiliar to me. I began to pay attention as I read various blogs, posts, tweets, and then did a little research on the subject.

As a believer, I know that in Christ all things were made new when I accepted Christ as my Savior. The sins I commit today are forgiven because Jesus paid the penalty for them on the cross. However, I’m still human and live in an imperfect body for the duration of my sojourn on earth. My perfection will only be attained on the shores of heaven.

So what is the shadow? It’s that part of ourselves that we keep hidden, often not even aware that it’s there. Many aspects are not the favorite parts of ourselves but shape our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and actions. But getting to know our shadow side is like cracking the code to the “why” of some of our actions and becoming aware of changes that need to be made.

Every day, we have the choice to walk away from Christ’s light and the balance He offers and right into the plan of the enemy. It’s Satan who wants to keep us in the shadows with our darkest self. But, over and over again, Jesus reminds His followers that He is the light and in Him is no darkness at all.

Reflecting on all of this, I’m reminded that I don’t have to stay stuck. Grace and forgiveness allow God to make all things new— to refine and purify me—so that those very shadowy aspects will be used for His glory and purpose. My part is to turn to Him daily and trust Him to dispel the shadow so that I will walk in the light and “let it shine.”