LIght in Our Darkness

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"For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness."  
~ II Samuel 22:29

We all have dark days, whether for a brief time or through a longer season.  Financial difficulties, physical illness, death of a friend or family member, career struggles - no matter what form they take, these trials can make us feel as if the darkness is surrounding us.

Yet we're not alone.  No matter how dark it seems, the Lord is there and can shine light into our darkness.  Just knowing that He walks with us through our troubles brings light.

What else does light bring us?  Here are four ideas.

• Light illuminates the path. Once we have light, we can see which way to go.  Psalm 37:23 says, "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way."  Letting God's light into our situation can help us know how to proceed.

• Light removes the fear of the unknown.  When you can see what's around you, it's not as frightening.  A verse that comforts me in times of uncertainty is Psalm 112:7, which says of the righteous, "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord."  I don't have to be afraid of the unknown if I'm trusting God to take care of me.

• Light brings comfort.  If you've ever had a child (or been one!) who's afraid of the dark, you know how comforting it can be to see a little night light shining in the night.  God is called "the God of all comfort" in II Corinthians 1:3 and He is able to comfort us at every step. 

• Light reveals imperfections.  When the light of the Lord shines on us, we can see how much we stand in need of Him.  Through His Word and His Holy Spirit, He can show us Himself and His ability to meet our every need.

If you're going through a dark day, I pray that you will let the Lord shine into your darkness!