Defeating Dark Days December 1, 2024 “44Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust Me, you are really trusting God. 45For when you see Me, you are seeing the One who sent Me. 46I have come as a Light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in Me will no longer wander in the darkness.” John 12:44-46 (TLB) What Darkness Are You Facing? David— “I have cried desperately for help, but still it does not come.” Psalm 22:1 (GNT) Job— “I hoped for happiness and light, but trouble and darkness came instead.” Job 30:26 (GNT) David—“Lover, friend, acquaintance - all are gone. There is only darkness everywhere.” Psalm 88:18 (TLB) God’s Light for Defeating Our Difficulties: David— “You, Lord, are my light; You dispel my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 (GNT) “I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose--I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]” Philippians 4:13 (AMP) To Dispel Darkness We Must Use His Strength To: BLESS rather than CURSE. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Romans 12:14 (NIV) RELEASE rather than REHEARSE. “To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do.” Job 5:2 (GNT) “31Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT) NEUTRALIZE rather than NURTURE. “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) “You are only hurting yourself with your anger. ... ” Job 18:4 (GNT) UNLOAD rather than UNRAVEL. “You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon Him, for You are His personal concern.” 1 Peter 5:7 (PHILLIPS)