From Darkness to Light: How to Find Freedom in Jesus
From Darkness to Light: How to Find Freedom in Jesus
Why do we cling to the chains that bind us, even when the Light that can set us free is right in front of us? For some, those chains have become familiar—a strange kind of comfort in the discomfort. For others, stepping into the Light feels overwhelming, even terrifying.
We wonder: What if the Light exposes our brokenness? What if it reveals the very things we’ve worked so hard to keep hidden—about ourselves or even about those we love?
And yet, we must ask another question: What if the Light doesn’t just expose? What if it heals? What if it replaces fear with hope and shame with joy?
These are the questions we must wrestle with if we want to step out of darkness and into the freedom God offers.
Why Do We Fear the Light?
We fear the Light because it reveals what we’d rather keep hidden—our guilt, our wounds, our brokenness. Sometimes, it’s not just fear of exposure but fear of the unknown: What will life look like without the chains we’ve grown so used to? The darkness feels safer because it’s familiar, offering a false sense of comfort and security.
But here’s the thing— darkness deceives. It has no anchor, no stability. It only leads to more darkness until it consumes us entirely.
Darkness takes many forms: depression, loneliness, hopelessness, addiction, sickness, poverty, sexual sin, false identities, witchcraft, idolatry—the list goes on. Every one of us has invited darkness into our lives at some point (often unknowingly), and in doing so, we’ve invited others into that darkness as well.
Addiction is one of the strongest chains of darkness that binds us. Often quoted and true: “When pleasure becomes a prison, it’s addiction”. What may start as harmless or even good—seeking comfort, relief, or enjoyment—can quickly lead to bondage when it is rooted in sinful or indulgent desires trying to escape the dark places inside us.
When pleasure becomes a prison, it’s addiction
These false pleasures lead to emptiness, robbing us of true joy and peace. But here’s the good news: the story doesn’t end with the darkness.
There is hope—
The Light of Christ can break even the strongest chains.
What Keeps Us Avoiding the Light?
It breaks my heart to hear the stories of those who are trapped in darkness. Some don’t even realize they’re stuck—they’ve lived in it for so long it feels normal. Others are painfully aware of their bondage but feel powerless to break free.
Many know exactly where they are but have no memory of how they ended up there or how long they’ve been lost in the shadows. And then some hide their darkness, terrified that if anyone saw the truth, they’d be rejected or judged.
The Chains of Fear That Keep Us in Darkness
We fear the Light for many reasons. It can feel exposing, even threatening, because it reveals truths, we’ve worked so hard to hide—even from ourselves.
Many have spent years, even a lifetime, burying painful memories or shameful secrets to survive, and the thought of those things being brought to the surface can feel terrifying.
Sometimes, we fear what the Light might show about ourselves—or about those we love. We’re not always sure we want to face the parts of ourselves we’ve kept in the dark, even if it means missing out on the healing the light of Jesus brings.
The darkness may feel safer because it’s familiar, offering a deceptive sense of comfort and safety. But the truth is, darkness has nothing to offer—no anchor, no security. It only leads to more darkness until it consumes us entirely.
We also can’t envision our life beyond the darkness. Guilt, shame, and regret keep us from stepping into the healing God offers. The enemy whispers lies into our hearts: “You’re too far gone,” or “What will people think if they know the real you?”
But here’s the truth: the Light doesn’t expose these things to shame us. It exposes them to heal us. God already knows every part of us—our sins, struggles, and weaknesses—and yet, He loves us deeply.
For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. —John 3:17 (NKJV)
The Way Out of Darkness
For evils have encompassed me beyond number; my iniquities have overtaken me, and I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head; my heart fails me. —Psalm 40:12 (ESV)
Spiritual blindness is the hallmark of darkness. It strips us of the discernment we need to find our way out.
Freedom Is Found in the Light of Jesus
True freedom is found only in the Light of Christ. Yes, the Light will expose our darkness, but it will also replace it with hope. Jesus came to set the captives free. You don’t have to stay bound by brokenness, separated from your Creator, or estranged from the love that heals and restores.
He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. —Psalm 40:2–3 (ESV)
On our own, we can’t escape the darkness. But when we invite Jesus in, into us, into our darkness, into our struggle, He—being the Light—will lift us out and set our feet on solid ground.
Choosing to surrender and heal isn’t easy. I wish I could tell you it was. At first, the Light may feel overwhelming. You may feel tempted to turn back to the darkness. But stay in the Light of Christ. His peace and unconditional love will comfort you, and God will begin to heal your broken places.
Healing Requires Surrender
Remember the Holy Spirit reveals our brokenness, not to shame us, but to heal us. To experience healing, we must surrender. This means letting go of desires and patterns that keep us bound. Yes, we may still crave them, but we must ask God to make our desire for freedom greater than our desire for the chains that bind us.
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” —Mark 9:24
God will lift us out of the pit, but we must do the work to stay out of it.
Renewing our minds daily is key:
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. —Romans 12:2 (NLT)
Transformation Takes Time
Be patient as God works in you. Healing happens one area at a time. Some areas will heal quickly, while others take longer. But as the Light fills the dark corners of your soul, you’ll become more like Christ.
The pull of the pit can be strong, tempting us to return to the familiar darkness. Its grip often tightens when we try to break free, but the Light of Christ is always stronger.
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
Trust the process. Remember that God is with you, guiding your steps even when it feels like you’re walking in quicksand. He will hold you up!
Steps to Walk in the Light
Stepping into the Light may feel overwhelming, but it’s a process filled with grace. Here are a few steps to help you move forward:
1. Acknowledge the Darkness
Take an honest look at your heart and your life. What areas of your life feel heavy, broken, or hidden? Bring these things to God in prayer, trusting He already sees them and is ready to bring healing.
2. Invite Jesus In
Pray specifically for God’s Light to shine into the areas of your life where you feel trapped. Surrender the fears, sins, or struggles you’ve been holding onto, and ask Him to guide you step by step.
3. Renew Your Mind Daily
Spend time in God’s Word, letting it wash over you and renew your thinking. Replace lies with truth, such as:
Lie: “I’ll never change.”
Truth: If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. —John 8:36 (NKJV)
Truth: Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
Let this truth sink into your heart: You are not defined by your past, your failures, or the lies that have whispered, “You’ll never change”. When you surrender to Christ, the power of His freedom begins to work in you. You may not see the full transformation overnight, but step by step, as you dwell in His Word and invite His Spirit to guide you, He is making you new.
Every time those old lies try to creep back in—”You’ll always be this way” speak the truth back to them. Declare: I am free because the Son has set me free. I am a new creation in Christ, and the old is gone. Keep pressing into His promises, because He is faithful to complete the good work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6).
4. Seek Godly Community
Surround yourself with people who will encourage you, pray for you, and hold you accountable. Darkness thrives in isolation.
5. Take Small, Consistent Steps
Healing doesn’t happen overnight, but small steps lead to big transformation. Whether confessing a sin, forgiving someone, or setting aside time to pray, take one step today to move closer to God’s Light.
Anchor Yourself in the Truth
There is no hope in darkness. Sin thrives in the absence of Light, but God, in His love, exposes sin not to condemn us, but to heal and free us.
Light shines
Light exposes sin
Light overpowers darkness
Light reveals
Light heals
Light loves
In the Light, there is no darkness at all
Root yourself in the truth of Jesus Christ. Let His grace and mercy define your worth and trust His perfect process—He is faithfully transforming you into a new creation.
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. —Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. —2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
Step into the Light Today
What area of your life is God asking you to surrender to His Light? Take a moment to reflect and pray. Ask Him to help you see where darkness has tried to take root and to fill that space with His healing love.
The path to freedom may feel steep at times, but the Light at the top is worth every step. Keep moving forward.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being the Light that shines in our darkness and the hope that leads us to freedom. Lord, we surrender the chains that have bound us—our fears, our sins, and our brokenness. Expose the areas of our hearts that need Your healing touch, and fill them with Your truth and love.
Help us to let go of the comfort of darkness and step fully into the Light of Your grace. Strengthen us to renew our minds daily with Your Word, to cling to Your promises, and to trust the process of transformation You are leading us through.
We declare that we are no longer defined by the lies of the enemy but by the truth of who we are in Christ—loved, redeemed, and set free. Holy Spirit guide us each day as we walk in the fullness of freedom and healing.
In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.
You are not alone. You are not too far gone. The Light of Christ is stronger than any darkness you face. Know that I’m in your corner, and I’m praying for you—truly, I am.
And remember: You are loved. You are chosen. You are His.
With Love and Grace,
Cyndi
