September 2

Darkness into Light

"You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light." Psalms 18:28

 Light is a good thing. When the clouds take over and the day becomes gloomy, often so does our countenance. We long for the sun to shine again, for light to break through the darkness. Light has a cheering effect upon humans. In Ecclesiastes 11:7, Solomon states it well: "truly light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to behold the sun." There is no question that we prefer sunshine to darkness, yet darkness is inevitable. As surely as daylight comes, so does the darkness of night. In a spiritual sense, this is also true. Darkness will come, but we do not have to stay in the darkness and become spiritually overwhelmed and depressed by it. God has promised to turn our darkness into light! The Holy Spirit will keep our lamps burning and our spirits alive with hope that joy will come in the morning! Can we truly comprehend that the God of the Universe cares so much for us that He will do everything in His power to see that we remain in the light? He will make sure our lamps continue to burn, despite the dark clouds that may surround us. What comfort and joy we can take in knowing that our Father in heaven cares for us so! Surely there can be no greater joy in this life than to bask in the light of God's love, despite the darkness that may surround us.

Father, how thankful we are that you have not left us in darkness, but have caused our lamps to burn bright! We thank you for your loving care for us. Help us to appreciate how blessed we are to be surrounded by the light of your love. There are so many in the world that live their whole lives in darkness and have never felt that joy! Help us to shed your light to others that they might be drawn to you. Continue to warm us with the sunshine of your love! Amen.