Light in the Dark
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread? Psalm 27:1
Where I live in Tennessee, winter can bring ice storms, and spring often carries strong winds and even tornadoes. When storms like these hit, power outages are common. It’s surprising how dark it gets without electricity. In those moments, darkness can provoke fear, panic, discomfort, and a sense of helplessness. A flashlight quickly becomes one of the most important things to have in your possession. Even a small beam of light makes a difference. In fact, it changes everything. A flashlight helps us see so we can move and find our way. It pushes back the darkness, dispels fear, and provides a sense of safety and comfort.
Exodus 13 tells us that God appeared to the Israelites as a light in the sky at night and a cloud during the day as they traveled for forty years in the desert. This light at night illuminated their path, so they could see where they were and where to go. It also helped them through the struggles that ensued in the Exodus. As Light for His people, God provided presence, protection, and direction.
David, the famous King of Israel, who wrote Psalm 27, refers to God as Light or Yahweh Ori. He wrote this Psalm in a trying, dangerous time when he was being pursued by a jealous predecessor, Saul. He doesn’t say, “The Lord gives me light sometimes,” but “The Lord is my light.” This shows that God’s presence itself is what steadies us. It signifies God as the source of illumination, direction, protection, and salvation in the midst of darkness or fear. It highlights God's presence as a guide and guardian.
1 John 1:5 tells us, “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him.” Jesus came to earth as Light in a broken, dark world in need of a Savior. In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” While God may not appear as a visible fire in the night sky today, He is still the Light for His people.
A spiritual battle rages, where evil opposes the goodness of God. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that our adversary is like a roaring lion, constantly seeking opportunities to destroy our lives and what God has done in and for us. It’s no surprise that we sometimes walk through seasons marked by fear, confusion, uncertainty, or struggle. Yet even in those moments, Yahweh Ori meets us there. He shines into the darkness, bringing clarity when we feel confused, truth when we face mixed or misleading messages, courage when fear begins to rise, and direction when we are uncertain which way to go.
Because He is our Light, we can take the next step in confidence, trusting that God will illuminate the path ahead and protect us from hidden dangers and spiritual threats. Actively walking in this light requires us to foster a daily, personal connection with Yahweh Ori. We do this by spending time in Scripture, which is a lamp and light on our path according to Psalm 119:105. Spending time in prayer, personal worship, repenting and seeking forgiveness, and responding in obedience also keep us close to Him and in His light.
When we encounter this divine Light, it brings joy, peace, and clarity to our souls. We begin to grow, find direction in our decisions, and love others more fully. In His light, we truly flourish!
Call to Action
What area of your life feels uncertain or overshadowed right now?
How might trusting God as your Light change your perspective?
Where have you allowed the enemy to get a stronghold in your life?
How can you turn to God and allow His light to permeate this situation, rescuing you?
Digging Deeper
Read these additional verses: Psalm 18:28, Psalm 119:105, Habakkuk 3:4, John 1:4, Ephesians 5:8-14, Revelation 21:23.
Prayer
God, my Light, thank You for shining into the dark places of my life. When I feel uncertain or afraid, remind me that You are with me. Guide and sustain me. Help me walk in Your truth, not in fear. Illuminate my path, one step at a time.
Copyright © 2026 Kyle Cravens