I hate to say it but the home I grew up in had roaches. (We consoled ourselves with the fact that they were mostly wood roaches, not cockroaches, but they were just as gross looking.)

If you know roaches, you know that they do not like light. They hide under things, behind things, and in cracks and crevices. When you turn a light on in a room, you can often see them scurry for cover. They like the darkness.

That’s another reason not to like them. Bad things happen in the dark. Robbers sneak around in the dark of night. Muggers attack from around dark corners. Roaches sneak food from the kitchen, among other things, in the dark. Evil deeds are hidden by the dark so evil doers seek it out.

“But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” (John‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬, ‭CSB‬‬)

God’s first words recorded for us were “Let there be light.” And so it was. His love is a spotlight that burns evil from our hearts. Those who prefer lives of evil don’t want to be burned so they scurry from God and His love. They can’t stand it. They scoff and turn away in disgust the way my roaches ran for cover.

If you seek truth and warmth and love, there is one place to turn. And all are welcome. All I have to do is stop turning away.

Dear God, thank you for your love-filled, holy light. Thank you for your truth that is freely available to all who step into your light. Remind me to stay in your light and to turn away from the darkness that seeks to draw me in.