The Lord Is My Light - The Crosswalk Devotional - September 23
The Lord Is My Light
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” (Micah 7:8)
As someone who struggles with depression, I often find myself in the darkness. This might surprise some, but I tend to be more comfortable in the darkness. Rainy days and nights bring me comfort, while the brilliance of the sun brings my heart grief. Sad music brings my heart comfort rather than upbeat, happy tunes.
Even though some of us may be comfortable in the darkness, it does not mean it is the healthiest place to be, either physically or spiritually. Always being in physical darkness can worsen our feelings of depression as well as our deep sorrow. In the same way, being in spiritual or emotional darkness can cause us to suffer in our walk with the Lord.
As we turn more to the Lord, we will see His light shine into our lives. He calls us out of the darkness and into His Kingdom. Even though it might be scary at times to go into the light, we can trust the Lord. The darkness is not our forever home, as it only gives us a false sense of security. By turning to the Lord, we will have His protection, grace, and peace.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Through the Book of Micah, we see Micah calling the Lord his light: “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light” (Micah 7:8). As Micah says in this passage, although he sits in darkness, the Lord will be his light. Jesus will also be our light; even if we sit in the darkness for years, we can still find hope in the Lord.
While some periods of darkness can feel comfortable to us, there are also other periods of darkness that cause us to feel worried, scared, and alone. During these times of darkness, we can also find comfort in knowing the Lord is our light. He will illuminate the darkness and make His peace, comfort, and love known to us. We are never without hope because we are never without God.
Upon further reflection on Micah 7:8, we also see the prophet saying, “Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise.” Like Micah, we can also tell our enemies that they cannot gloat over us. Although we may have fallen, we will rise again. The Lord will establish our feet on level ground and strengthen us.
He is our light and our salvation (Psalm 27:1). We never need to doubt Him or be worried. The Lord brings light out of darkness, and where He stands, the dark shadows flee away. There is nothing in all creation that can thwart Jesus’ protection or His power. Rather than remaining in the darkness, we can step out into the light today.
Do you find the darkness to be more comfortable? Why or why not? What would it look like to have Jesus bring you out of this darkness? Would it give you a sense of hope or uncertainty? Jesus is the light of our lives and will help us rise again. How can you find peace in this truth today?
Photo Credit: © Unsplash/Paolo Nicolello
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
