God Will Light My Candle On Dark Days
1. A Verse For These Dark Days
One morning as I was about to begin my Bible reading, I was thinking about where God would lead me in our next devotionals. I didn't get far into Psalm 18 when the Lord showed me the perfect verse for these dark days. "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18:28) I thought, "What a lovely thought! The Lord will light my candle to enlighten my darkness!" How great is that! How many times have you been standing near someone who is busy working and you hear, "Go get me a flashlight"? As a child I was eager to run for a light and stand and hold it for my Dad. God is telling us in this verse that while we are working for Him, and the darkness is making it difficult, He will light our candle. This little verse thrilled me so much that I started writing down every reference in the book of Psalms to light and darkness. We are living in dark days, but God has promised to give us light. Let's look at some of these verses in Psalms and see how the Lord will shed a light on His Word and lighten our darkness.
2. It Takes A Light To Light A Candle
Let's begin with the first part of the verse, "For thou wilt light my candle..." (Psalm 18:28) Do you know that you have to have a light to light a candle? I can remember times when we took a birthday cake to a dinner, and we had to search to find a match, or lighter, to light the candles. During wedding rehearsals I remember someone telling us not to forget to bring a lighter to light the candles for the ceremony. You cannot light a candle without a light. Jesus is the Light. "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12) And again in John 12:46, "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness." I know that Jesus can light my candle because He is the Light of the world! I don't have to live in darkness because Jesus is my Light!
3. God Said, "Let There Be Light" And There Was Light
The first thing God created was light. "God divided the light from the darkness", and it was good!
"1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:1-4)
In looking at the Psalms, we find the act of creation, of day and night, first in Psalm 19:1-6. God created light so that we would not have to live in darkness. Today I am thankful for God's creation, and the light He has given to us.
"1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
5 Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
6 His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Psalm 19:1-6)
4. God Will Enlighten My Darkness
We are going back to our theme verse, "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalm 18:28) Today we are looking at the last part, "... the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." Not only does God give light to the darkness, but He also enlightens our Spiritual darkness through His Word. As we read and meditate on God's Word, the Holy Spirit sheds light on the holy scriptures and gives us understanding. When we read the Bible and pray for understanding, it is just as if a light bulb was turned on in our mind, and we "see" and understand what we did not "see" before. Psalm 19:8 tells us that God's Word "is pure, enlightening the eyes."
"7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.
10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward." (Psalm 19:7-11)
5. We Find Goodness In The Light Of His Countenance
It is so easy to get discouraged during these bad times. It may help to know that men and women have lived through times like this in the past. I have seen stories of the plagues of the past when people had to wear masks over their faces. I read some of the news coverage about the virus, but it doesn't bring any comfort to my heart or mind. With all that is being said, we really don't have any answers, or know what we can believe. But, we can look to God and know that His Word is truth. In the fourth Psalm, David asked, "Who will shew us any good?" Then he pleads with the Lord, "LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us." When everything around us seems bad, we can look to the Lord to find good. When the whole world seems dark, we can see the light of His countenance upon us. I have stopped looking so much online to find answers. I am putting my faith and trust in the Lord and looking for the light of His countenance. Only God can put gladness in my heart. And only God can give me sweet, peaceful, sleep.
"1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.
4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.
5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD.
6 There be many that say, Who will shew us any good? LORD, lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us.
7 Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their corn and their wine increased.
8 I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." (Psalm 4)
6. The Lord Is My Light And My Salvation
Before Susanna was married she used to sing a song with us that was taken from Psalm 27. Knowing the words to the song made the scripture more familiar and real in my life. "The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?... in the time of trouble he shall hide me... Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart:..." As you read the words, think about how this Psalm was written by David around 3,000 years ago, yet we can still depend on the God of these verses today. I pray that you will find encouragement in the Lord and trust Him for your salvation.
"1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.
6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.
8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.
13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." (Portions of Psalm 27)
7. We Find Blessings In The Light Of His Countenance
Are you keeping in touch with your family and friends? I miss being with my family and our church friends so much! It is important that we stay connected, even though we can't spend time together. We can share the blessing of the Lord, by being a blessing to others. "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O LORD, in the light of thy countenance." (Psalm 89:15) Proverbs 25:25 tells us, "As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country." Right now, even my closest loved ones seem to be in a far country. It brightens my day when I call someone and they seem happy to hear from me. It is a blessing to receive a message on the phone, the computer, or even in the mail. Reach out to those who are missed. It will bless you as much as it blesses them. My favorite verses of blessing to share with others, to put on greeting cards, or in messages, are found in Numbers 6:24-26. Be a blessing in the light of His countenance.
"The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
8. Let Your Face Shine Upon Us, O Lord
Photographs on the wall are very special to me, as a constant reminder of the ones I love dearly. I was looking at the pictures taken after my son's wedding and I noticed how my new daughter-in-law just seemed to glow. We also describe women who are about to have a baby, as having a motherhood glow. In the Bible, we read that after Moses came down from the mount, his face glowed so much that he wore a vail. "And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him... And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face." (Exodus 34:24 & 33) There are several verses in Psalms that ask the Lord to let His face shine upon us. I would like to be so close to the Lord that others could see His light shining through me. I want to have a glow about my life that people can see that I have been with Jesus! "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
"Make thy face to shine upon thy servant: save me for thy mercies' sake." (Psalm 31:16)
"God be merciful unto us, and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." (Psalm 67:1-2)
"Turn us again, O God, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
"Turn us again, O God of hosts, and cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved.
"Turn us again, O LORD God of hosts, cause thy face to shine; and we shall be saved." (Psalm 80:3, 7, and 19)
"Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes." (Psalm 119:135)
9. "O Send Out Thy Light And Thy Truth"
Today is the Lord's day and once again the doors are closed at Pine Grove Baptist Church. I miss our church, our worship, and fellowship, but I am thankful for the preachers who are providing sermons online. Pastor Jack Tripp has shared some very encouraging messages on Sunday mornings. The Light is going forth and extending farther than the walls of the church building. I hope and pray that people are being reached with the gospel message and that our churches will soon be filled with men, women, and children hungry for the truth of God's Word. Thank you to all who are preaching and singing for the glory of the Lord, faithfully sending out the Light!
"3 O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.
4 Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.
5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 43:3-5)
10. Light At The End Of The Tunnel
We wanted to help Jedidiah celebrate his birthday, so we took them some lunch, his presents, and something we didn't get to give to the children for Easter, and had a nice little picnic in their yard. It will be so good when the social distancing rules are over. I will be so happy when our grandchildren get to come over, and I can pick them up and hug them. When we go through the mountains there are some tunnels that we drive through. It is hard for me to drive through them, even with the overhead lights. I am always so glad when I can see daylight through the other end. I am looking for light at the end of this tunnel. I feel like we have been in this tunnel of darkness a long time, and I keep looking for light to show me we are near the end. I have been through storms before, and the Lord has never let me down. We have endured darkness, and cried bitter tears, but Jesus walks with us. Don't lose hope. Light follows the darkness, just as day follows night. I think we are about to see light at the end of the tunnel.
"Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." (Psalm 30:3-5)
11. Light Takes Away Our Fears
When our grandchildren stay all night with us I have a night light to use. It helps them not be afraid of the darkness. It reminds them of where they are if they wake up during the night. It comforts them by shining a light on their surroundings, because we usually fear most, what we can't see. When I go to stay away from home overnight, I take a night light with me to help me see a clear pathway, in case I need to get up during the night. Light dispels darkness completely, and that helps to dispel our fears. When I read my Bible and put my trust in the Lord, He takes away my fears. In His Light I am reminded of how He has led me all the way, and He gives me faith that I can trust Him during life's troubles. When I walk in His Light He comforts me, and shows me the paths I should take. If you are living in fear of the troubles and darkness of this world, I pray that you will turn to Jesus. If you confess your sin, He will forgive you and take away the darkness in your life. If you put your trust in Him, He will shine a light on the paths that are best for you to take. Knowing that God loves you and is constantly watching over you will take away your fear and give you peace. Look to Jesus and be lightened.
"3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.
14 Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
22 The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate." (Portions of Psalm 34)
12. God Leads Us With His Light
When God brought the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, He led them with His Light. "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night:" (Exodus 13:21) The book of Psalms gives praise in remembrance of this. "In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire." (Psalm 78:14) "He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night." (Psalm 105:39) When God sent the Wise Men to find Jesus, He led them with the light of a star. "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was." (Matthew 2:9) Throughout the ages man has used the moon and stars to guide them in the right way. Isaiah 13:10 mentions the "stars of heaven and the constellations..." These great lights guide us on our journey through life. God also gives us Light to guide us on our spiritual journey. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105) "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." (Psalm 119:130) Jesus is the Word that brings us the guiding Light.
"1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:" (John 1:1-12)
13. The Candle Of The Wicked Shall Be Put Out
We began with Psalm 18:28, "For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness." We have enjoyed these Psalms of praise to our Lord for His blessed Light. But, we are moving out of the book of Psalms for a contrast. "For there shall be no reward to the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out." (Proverbs 24:20) "How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and how oft cometh their destruction upon them! God distributeth sorrows in his anger." (Job 21:17) Jesus died to save the lost, and to bring them out of the darkness and into the light. But, John 3:19 tells us that many refuse Him because they love darkness rather than light. And because this is what they have chosen, they will "be cast into outer darkness." (Matthew 22:13) How terrible it would be to live eternally in darkness. If you have never asked Jesus to save you from the darkness of sin, please do so today. I believe that the Lord is coming back real soon. Turn to Him before it is too late. Don't wait until your candle is put out.
"16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved." (John 3:16-20)
14. A Light To Lighten The Gentiles
Welcome to the month of May. Just over four months ago we were celebrating Christmas. And although April seemed to lag on so long, it won't seem long before we are back to December again. Today we are looking at a verse from the Christmas story. "A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:32) Jesus came, "A light to lighten the Gentiles..." That is why Christmas is so special to me! Without Jesus I would be eternally lost. Without Jesus I would have no hope of salvation. But, Jesus came to die for me! I was not born into the family of God's chosen people on May 1st many years ago, but praise the Lord, I had a second birth and I can say, "I am a child of God!" I hope you have a wonderful day!
15. No More Night
We looked at the beginning of creation, where God said, "Let there be light" and divided the day from the night. To close this series we are going to the end of the Bible where there will be no more night. "And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5) I am looking forward to that day when God shall wipe away all our tears. I am longing to see Jesus who died for me. I will be overjoyed to see my Dad and others who have gone on to heaven before me. We will rejoice in that never ending day, with no more night, praising our God, for ever and ever. And in that eternal light, there will be no darkness. No darkness of sin! No dark clouds of pain and sorrow! No darkness of shadows where there is fear of the unknown! I close with these closing words of John... "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Revelation 22:20-21)
