Seeing the Light Through the Darkness

Photo by Cherry Laithang on Unsplash

Being unique occupations, our American Military Warriors and First Responders spend most of their working day preparing for the worst. During their career, first responders will have seen things most people could not imagine. Sadly, Law Enforcement is the only occupation where one is expected to die for the community they serve. This constant exposure to the atrocities society has to offer affects your psyche; it leads you into the Valley of the Shadow of Death, putting you at risk for depression, PTSi, and suicidal ideation. Welcome to the DARKNESS.

⁴Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 KJV)

The Oxford Languages define darkness as:

- the partial or total absence of light.
- Wickedness or evil.

Many will associate darkness with day and night; however, one can also see the light as noise & darkness as quiet, or light as public & darkness at private. Unfortunately, nearly everyone will experience some type of darkness during their lifetime.

It could be that one incident or the accumulative effect of several incidents that overwhelm your emotions; grief, anxiety, fear, and anger take over thoughts, taking you to the dark spot in your mind. You are in an eternal battle that you don’t think you can win. But, circumstances, which are out of your control, are events that happened to you and around you. Every battle you face starts in your mind.

This darkness is not a short-term problem; it can last for years if left untreated. Many may dismiss being in a dark place as feeling down, not realizing the physical and emotional toll it takes. Living in darkness causes a persistent feeling of sadness, loss of concentration, and loss of positive social interaction. It’s a place where you don’t seem to care about much; you don’t care about other people’s problems; you are engulfed in selfishness and are utterly unaware of it.

Photo by Jordon Conner on Unsplash

Living in darkness can lead to alcohol and substance abuse problems, engagement in risky activities, or other types of destructive behaviors.

This darkness, or depression, is stealthy; it starts with minor mood changes that progressively worsen. It slowly drags you deeper into the darkness, causing desperation. You feel hopeless, worthless, or a failure. Your mind and body spiral downward to the point of asking the question, “what is the use of living?” It is a liar, making you believe people do not care for you, making you think your family and friends would be better off without you. Continual living in the darkness is a “silent killer.”

Because we live in a fallen world, a world marred by sin, there will be darkness. All of us were born into sin and separation from God. Sin dims our perception and obliterates our spiritual vision, engulfing us in a sea of obscurity. Spiritual darkness symbolizes all that is negative, unpleasant, hurtful, evil, and terrifying. Being in spiritual darkness is living apart from God.

12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV

The Bible identifies darkness in four ways:^[1]

Darkness is a person. Satan is the prince of the power of darkness (Eph. 2:2; 6:12), so when the Bible speaks of darkness, it refers to Satan, his minions, and his kingdom.
Darkness is power. Spiritual darkness has a power over non-Christians. It controls their thoughts, words, and actions, and they cannot break that control without Christ (Acts 26:18).
Darkness is a preference. Ungodly people prefer darkness so they can do whatever they want without being exposed (John 3:19-21).
Darkness is a place. Those who live in darkness – who practice the unfruitful works of darkness – are headed toward a place of “outer darkness” where “there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt 8:12).

Getting out of the darkness is not tricky. A mind is a powerful tool, don’t overthink things. Choose faith over understanding, and trust in God for guidance and direction, perseverance, and strength. Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.” John 12:46 NIV. Be positive, see and expect the good in life. Negative thoughts only leave you dissatisfied, discouraged, and depressed.

To get out of the darkness, you need a spiritual awakening, a personal revival. Faithful followers of God can see despite the spiritual darkness of this world. You need to turn to the light. Start by reviving or starting a relationship with God, bring Jesus back into your heart; the Bible tells us, “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 and “even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” Psalm 139:12 NIV.

If you do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ, click here.

As First Responders, we took an oath to protect good and fight evil. Many have lost track of their priorities and have put the job first in their lives. If you are experiencing lower than usual sense of self-worth, depression or misplaced guilt, inability to specifically remember or talk about the trauma, feeling numb emotionally, dissociation (not aware of the present moment), a feeling of disconnection from their everyday lives, feeling hyper-aroused and vigilant for danger all the time, lashing out in irritability or unexplained anger, feeling jittery, or unable to concentrate on tasks at hand or other anxiety disorders, such as panic or intense distress, talk to someone and get help. Get back to the basics Put God First, Family Second, and the job further down in the order.

Jesus said, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” John 12:35-36 NIV

IF YOU HAVE THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE, GET HELP NOW

Law Enforcement Copline (800) 267-5463

Firefighters / Medics Fire/EMS HELPLINE (800) 731-FIRE (3473)