It was the end of 1974. I was 18 and had made the trip overland from London to India with a few friends via the so-called “hippie trail.” We traveled through Istanbul, Tehran, Kabul, Kashmir, Hyderabad, and finally arrived in Goa, where we settled for a few weeks, living in a hut by the beach. I was a very insecure young adult, afraid of the future and desperately searching for meaning in my life.

I have always loved children, so I made friends with a young girl who was staying with her hippie parents and other young French people in a house about 400 meters up the path that led from the beach to our small villa. With her mother’s consent, I would pick her up every afternoon to play at the peaceful beach and then take her back home before sundown. I always made sure to take my little friend home before nighttime. There was no electricity in that remote area, and I was very afraid of the dark.

Winter was approaching and the days were getting shorter. One day, I lost track of time, and when we started back up the trail, the sun was already down. All I could see was a small candle in the distance that led me to her home. Upon entering by the back door, the house was completely silent, but I could see her mom and friends sitting in a circle around that one small candle, gazing at its light and meditating. A peaceful feeling permeated the whole house, and even my lively young friend tiptoed her way in out of respect for the moment.

I lingered for a few minutes savoring the atmosphere, and then started back home by myself. Despite the thick black in front of me, this time I was not afraid. The vision of that dancing candle permeated my mind, and I knew everything was going to be okay.

A few weeks later, I met a group of Christian young people that helped me find the path of righteousness and joy that only Jesus can give. I was free from confusion and fear. I now had a purpose for my life. It was like a candle had been lit in my soul and I would never again be left alone in the dark.

The Bible has a lot to say about light. Here are just a few of the many verses on this topic:

  • “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12).
  • “Those who look to [the Lord] are radiant [full of light]; their faces are never covered with shame. This poor man called, and the Lord heard him and delivered him out of all his troubles” (Psalm 34:5–6).
  • “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
  • “You are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness” (2 Samuel 22:29).
  • “You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life” (Psalm 56:13).
  • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Do you feel lost and without hope? Are you afraid of the darkness around you and all the troubles that life seems to throw at you? Look for the light that will guide you to where you need to go. Jesus is light, and in Him there is no darkness!

Are you feeling afraid, lost, lonely, or without hope? Jesus loves you and wants to be your constant companion. He said: “Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart] and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). Jesus has promised to come into your life and to fill you with His joy, peace, and love.

If you have not yet received Jesus as your Savior, you can do so by praying this prayer:

Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died for me and rose from the dead. Please forgive me for all my sins. I invite You to come in to my heart and life. Please fill me with Your love and Holy Spirit, and grant me Your gift of eternal life. Amen.