SATURDAY, JULY 15

Light in the Darkness

Psalm 27:1-14

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid (v.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. 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 on a dark night for David, chasing his fears into the distant shadows. In Psalm 27, he confidently declared, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid?” (v.1).

With God lighting his way, David felt safe. He believed the Lord would help him in his troubles (v.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” (v.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? One day, all our fear 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! —Jennifer Schuldt

Read Psalm 139:12 to see God’s perspective on darkness.

What are you most afraid of? How has this fear affected you? What might happen if you asked God to give you courage and take away your fear?

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