A Light in the Darkness
October 12, 2009

“For You light my lamp; the LORD my God illumines my darkness.” – Psalm 18:28

Do you remember being afraid of the dark as a child? I remember my sister and I turning off the light in our bedroom each evening and then jumping into our beds as fast as we could, trying to “beat the speed of dark”!

I’m still not so fond of being in the dark – even in my own home, shapes and shadows can take on grotesque forms at 2:00 a.m., and every creak and groan of the house becomes magnified.

But far, far worse than this is the darkness that can settle over my soul – the darkness of anxiety, fear, depression, anger, pain, grief … all these and many more cause my spiritual sight to dim, making me lose my way, doubt my God, and question myself, my life, my faith, and my future.

Here is good news! The LORD our God can bring light into every form of darkness: spiritual, mental, emotional, relational … the list goes on. The beacon of his Word brings truth to cut through lies and to resolve doubts. The glory of his presence provides comfort and the strength to carry on. The lamp of his Spirit shows us where to go and what to do, leading us every step of the way.

Whatever darkness you fear or are facing today – the LORD your God can light a lamp and illumine your life.

• What form of darkness do you fear the most? Why?
  
• When you are in some form of darkness, do you tend to turn to the Word of God and to prayer, or do those activities often fall by the wayside? Why do you respond the way you do?
  
• What physical object can serve as a reminder to you that God is with you, that he loves you, and that he will help you? Find an object and put it in a prominent location or carry it with you.