LIGHT IN DARKNESS

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

A friend of mine grew up in a rural part of Hawaii where her family had no electricity. As a child, the dark hours of the night frightened her. Without streetlights or the occasional lamp-lit window, it was easy to imagine a scary ogre or hungry beast lurking around the corner. She suffered from nyctophobia. Eventually, my friend left Hawaii to attend college in another region of the US. Although modern lighting brightened the evening hours, her fear of the dark persisted. Finally, as a married adult with children, she began to ask God to help her overcome her fear, and He answered her prayers. She’s no longer afraid of the dark.

By its nature, light dispels darkness, and so God was like a torch in a dark night for David, chasing his fears into the distant shadows, while reassuring him God was with him every step of the way. In Psalm 27, he confidently declared, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).

With God lighting his way, David felt safe. He believed the Lord would help him in his troubles (Psalm 27:5). Anyone who knows they have a loving Protector close at hand will feel courageous when they’re threatened. The problem is that sometimes our imagination magnifies whatever is threatening us and we can doubt God’s power.

David called out to God and could therefore say with confidence: “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident” (Psalm 27:3).

When David faced the giant Goliath, his trust in God allowed him to shout, “This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47). Do you believe God will help you when you’re afraid? Do you believe even in the darkness of sin, lack, illness, anxiety, God can shine his light? One day, all our fears will be gone, and we’ll be safe in the light of God’s presence (Revelation 21:2-4). May we rest in Him today.

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY:
Anyone who knows they have a loving Protector close at hand will feel courageous.

PRAYERS:
Lord Jesus, I introduce my fears to you.(mention your fears) let your light shine in my darkness and grant me victory. Amen 

FURTHER STUDIES:
Psalm 139:12