Shining Light in Darkness: Hope and Purpose in Grief

In a week marked by tragedy, violence, and grief, the call is to face the darkness of our world with honesty, courage, and hope rooted in Christ. The events that have unfolded—school shootings, senseless murders, and the assassination of a brother in Christ—have left many of us shaken, angry, and afraid. Yet, in the midst of this heaviness, the Word of God reminds us that we are not without hope. We are called to grieve the darkness, but not to live in it. The pain and evil we witness are not ignored by God; He sees, He grieves, and He calls us to do the same. Our hearts should not grow numb or indifferent, but remain tender and awake to the reality of sin and its consequences, both in the world and in our own lives.

Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5 is clear: as those who have been rescued from darkness, we are now light in the Lord. This new identity compels us to walk as children of light, not merely avoiding evil but actively reflecting the goodness, truth, and righteousness of Christ. Walking in the light is not passive; it is a courageous, intentional, and public stand for truth, even when it is costly. We are not called to harshness or self-righteousness, but to a humble boldness that exposes darkness and offers hope. Our lives are to be mirrors of the Savior, shining in a world desperate for redemption.

Furthermore, we are urged to redeem the time, to live with urgency and purpose because the days are evil. The enemy seeks to distract and consume our days with lesser things, but we are to reclaim our moments for the sake of the kingdom. This is not a call to frantic activity, but to faithful, Spirit-led living—using our time, presence, and influence to bring the light of Christ into every sphere of life. Even when the darkness feels overwhelming, we are anchored by the promise that Christ Himself shines on us and through us. Our hope is not in our own strength, but in the finished work of Jesus, who conquered sin and death and empowers us to live as lights in the world. Let us grieve honestly, walk boldly in the light, and redeem the time we have been given, trusting that God is at work even in the darkest days.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Grieving the Darkness Is a Mark of Spiritual Health A tender heart that feels the weight of evil and mourns both the brokenness in the world and in ourselves is evidence of the Spirit’s work. Numbness or indifference to sin is a warning sign; true spiritual vitality is marked by honest lament and a refusal to normalize or excuse what grieves God. Let your heart be moved, and let that grief drive you to prayer and dependence on Christ. [45:58]
• 2. Walking in the Light Requires Courageous, Public Faith To walk as children of light is not simply to avoid wrongdoing, but to actively reflect the character of Christ in truth, goodness, and righteousness. This means standing for biblical truth even when it is unpopular or costly, refusing to be silent or to blend in with the darkness. Our lives are meant to expose evil—not with arrogance, but with humble, compassionate boldness that points others to the hope of the gospel. [57:39]
• 3. The Power of Light Is Transformative, Not Just Exposing When the light of Christ shines through us, it does more than reveal what is wrong; it has the power to bring about real change and redemption. Our faithful presence and integrity can be the means by which God awakens and transforms those lost in darkness. The call is not to perfection, but to a life that is awake, alive to grace, and willing to be used by God for the sake of others. [61:24]
• 4. Redeeming the Time Means Living with Purpose and Urgency In an age of distraction and evil, we are called to reclaim our days for Christ, making the most of every opportunity. This is not about busyness or productivity for its own sake, but about intentional, Spirit-led living that prioritizes what matters for eternity. Don’t wait for a more convenient season; the time to act, to pray, to speak, and to love is now. [68:04]
• 5. Our Hope and Strength Are Found in Christ Alone The darkness is real, but so is the light that lives in us. We do not stand in our own strength, nor do we redeem our time by our own effort. Christ is our light, our hope, and our power. Even in the face of grief, loss, and evil, we are anchored by the gospel—the assurance that Jesus has conquered death and invites us to live as His redeemed, radiant people. [75:08]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:55] - Announcements and Service Changes
• [02:30] - Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4
• [04:10] - Introduction: Responding to a Heavy Week
• [08:30] - The Weight of Tragedy and Grief
• [13:00] - Facing the Reality of Evil
• [18:00] - Turning to Ephesians 5: Light in Darkness
• [22:00] - Grieve the Darkness: Don’t Grow Numb
• [28:00] - Walk in the Light: Identity and Action
• [36:00] - Exposing Darkness with Humble Boldness
• [43:00] - Redeem the Time: Living with Urgency
• [50:00] - The Gospel: Our Only Hope
• [56:00] - A Call to Prayer and Boldness
• [61:00] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Reading

Ephesians 5:6–16 (ESV) — Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them; for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Observation Questions

1. According to Ephesians 5:8, what is the difference between being “in darkness” and “being darkness”? How does Paul describe the change that happens in believers?
2. In the sermon, what are some specific examples the pastor gives of how our culture has become numb to evil or normalized sin? [[45:04]]
3. What does Paul mean when he says to “expose” the unfruitful works of darkness? How is this different from simply avoiding them?
4. The pastor mentions that “walking in the light” is not passive, but active and public. What are some ways he describes this kind of living? [[58:18]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Paul warn believers not to become “partners” with those who walk in darkness? What are some subtle ways Christians might partner with darkness without realizing it? [[47:39]]
2. The sermon says that grieving the darkness is a sign of spiritual health, not weakness. Why is it important for Christians to let their hearts be moved by evil and brokenness, rather than becoming numb or indifferent? [[47:39]]
3. The pastor says that the power of light is not just to expose, but to transform. How does living as “children of light” actually bring about change in the world around us? [[01:01:24]]
4. What does it mean to “redeem the time” in the context of evil days? How is this different from just being busy or productive? [[01:10:34]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor said, “It’s a problem if we move on too quickly” from tragedy and evil. When was the last time you let yourself truly grieve over the brokenness in the world or in your own life? What keeps you from feeling or expressing that grief? [[45:58]]
2. Are there areas in your life where you have become numb or indifferent to sin—either in the world or in your own heart? What would it look like to let God awaken your heart again? [[47:39]]
3. The sermon challenges us to “walk in the light” with humble boldness, not harshness or self-righteousness. Can you think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to stand for truth or goodness, even if it was costly? How did you respond? [[58:18]]
4. Where in your life have you chosen comfort or silence over conviction? Is there a relationship, workplace, or situation where you sense God calling you to be more of a light? [[01:05:29]]
5. The pastor said, “Redeeming the time” means living with purpose and urgency, not just busyness. What is one area of your daily routine or schedule that you sense God wants you to reclaim for His purposes? What practical step could you take this week? [[01:10:34]]
6. The sermon reminds us that our hope and strength are found in Christ alone, not in our own effort. When you feel overwhelmed by darkness or evil, what helps you remember and rest in the finished work of Jesus? [[01:15:08]]
7. The pastor encouraged the church to pray for boldness and for the nation. How can your group pray specifically for each other to grieve honestly, walk in the light, and redeem the time this week? [[01:22:23]]