By: John McCann
« Back to Devotions PageIf the light that is in you is darkness how great is that light? It could be little, but still could be very effective. Ever wake up in the middle of the night to see an unexpected light on in the house? Not only does it stir up curiosity to go find out what’s going on, but often times after being in the darkness of sleep our eyes can hurt with the intense brightness of that light. I know in our house my wife gets up, flips on the light and gets her work out cloths on, I usually rollover and try to protect my eyes from the sudden interruption in my beauty sleep! Yet the light still seems to penetrate my eyelids and as my eyes adjust, I get up. The light brings me to action.
This morning I had my candle burning while I was praying and like most people, I was mesmerized by the flickering of the golden yellow flame licking the space above it. As I stared at the flame, I began to think. So God provides this for me? He creates in me a mesmerizing flame of love and joy? A light that penetrates the darkness, a light that stands out, and light that provides warmth and guidance to others? Hum. Nope, I don’t feel it.
Yet the Lord promises the same thing that my light switch promises – Penetrating Light! So I decided to start looking up “lamp” and “lamp stand” and “light” in the Bible. I might add this is a fairly “enlightening” experience (sorry had to do that). Go on the journey with me.
I, first, found myself in Job 18:6 in the New King James Version (NKJV): “The light is dark in his tent, and his lamp beside him is put out.” Interesting place to start don’t you think? I have often thought that the light was gone from me, that I had nothing worthy to offer. Yet God’s Word (the Bible) was right next to me waiting to be picked up.
Then, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” Psalm 119:105. If the word is not in you, your path is darkened. Yet sometimes I do not want the light or I am unable to flip the switch, yet God promises to deliver, if I am only open.
As I continued in my search I stumbled upon Psalm 18:28, which says, “For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” When life seems dark my only action needs to be asking God and reading the Bible.
Psalm 119:130 spoke to me with it’s profoundness. “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Then, once the light comes in and penetrates the eyelids of my heart, I shall become changed and His light will illuminate my thoughts and my understanding.
Finally, we are urged in Matthew 5:15 to shine our light out for the world to see. “Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.” So, let the light of God shine. Read His Word, consider it and realize you have value. God will bring you to action as a source of light for a darkened world.
Questions from a Light-giving God:
When was the last time you filled your lamp with the oil of my Word?
Is your light on a lampstand or under a basket? Are you LivingIt?
I promise light and all that goes with it. Will you ask me now for my mesmerizing light in you?
Prayer:
Light-giving Father, your brightness is ever around me and I am warmed by your flame of love and mercy in my life. You are amazing and you are my God. Father please give me your light. Fill the lamp of my heart so that others may see You in the light in my eyes. Thank you Father. Amen.
