Today’s Scripture readings: Psalm 27; Genesis 13:1-7, 14-18; Philippians 3:2-12
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? --Psalm 27:1
I don’t like the dark. It’s… well, dark. Things hide in the dark. Things that seem normal when there is light can take on a very sinister role under the cover of darkness. A cabinet door left open in the morning can be easily seen and avoided. That same door left ajar in the middle of the night will cause bruising. Ask any parent who has stepped on a Lego piece in the early hours of the morning. Dark hides dangers.
Dark is the place where people lurk. I don’t usually think of people lurking in the daylight. Lurking draws images of being up to something dishonorable. During the day, a person stands or waits. At night, that same person in that same spot appears to be lurking.
Dark is where the creepy-crawlies cannot be seen. Spiders are not my favorite thing in the world, but they are manageable when there is light. It’s the same with snakes. I can either avoid them or deal with them. I cannot do that with something I cannot see. Things hide in the dark.
Doors and Legos, spiders and snakes, and even lurking people are all things that might hide in the physical darkness. The other side to that dark coin includes things that lurk in spiritual darkness. What thoughts or behaviors do we hide in the shadows that we desperately want to keep others from seeing? Our own actions may be the source of paralyzing fear. What if someone finds out about our mistakes? What if they think less of us because of that thing in our past? The worry that comes from being discovered is sometimes terrifying – we would rather bury transgressions in the dark spaces of our lives than risk them shining in the light for all to see.
No one knew better than King David how the dark spaces of our lives can be suddenly illuminated before others. From adultery to murder, David wanted nothing more than to bury parts of his life in darkness. Having light to shine on his sins was a distressing prospect for David. He greatly feared that others would find out his dishonorable actions. When he realized that illumination is especially focused when generated by our God who knows all, David’s fear was enhanced – but the spotlight of God created a new opportunity.
Rather than remain paralyzed by fear and darkness, David finally acknowledged his sins, confessed them and repented before God. His story became one of light as he found a new and brighter way of living. Under the cover of God’s forgiveness, David himself lit up and began to shine for others to see.
David shared many beautiful sentiments about life and light, death and dark, but in Psalm 27 he composed these words: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?” Oh, how I wish I could hear his voice singing his tune! I can only imagine his powerful faithfulness booming through his hymn.
During this season of repentance, we have a gift to receive. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the same opportunity that was given to David. Repent and believe so that the Light of Christ may shine in you.
Creator God, shine your light on my heart. Hear my cries seeking your forgiveness, and move me in enlightened ways. Amen.
The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone? The Lord is a fortress protecting my life. Should I be frightened of anything? --Psalm 27:1
I don’t like the dark. It’s… well, dark. Things hide in the dark. Things that seem normal when there is light can take on a very sinister role under the cover of darkness. A cabinet door left open in the morning can be easily seen and avoided. That same door left ajar in the middle of the night will cause bruising. Ask any parent who has stepped on a Lego piece in the early hours of the morning. Dark hides dangers.
Dark is the place where people lurk. I don’t usually think of people lurking in the daylight. Lurking draws images of being up to something dishonorable. During the day, a person stands or waits. At night, that same person in that same spot appears to be lurking.
Dark is where the creepy-crawlies cannot be seen. Spiders are not my favorite thing in the world, but they are manageable when there is light. It’s the same with snakes. I can either avoid them or deal with them. I cannot do that with something I cannot see. Things hide in the dark.
Doors and Legos, spiders and snakes, and even lurking people are all things that might hide in the physical darkness. The other side to that dark coin includes things that lurk in spiritual darkness. What thoughts or behaviors do we hide in the shadows that we desperately want to keep others from seeing? Our own actions may be the source of paralyzing fear. What if someone finds out about our mistakes? What if they think less of us because of that thing in our past? The worry that comes from being discovered is sometimes terrifying – we would rather bury transgressions in the dark spaces of our lives than risk them shining in the light for all to see.
No one knew better than King David how the dark spaces of our lives can be suddenly illuminated before others. From adultery to murder, David wanted nothing more than to bury parts of his life in darkness. Having light to shine on his sins was a distressing prospect for David. He greatly feared that others would find out his dishonorable actions. When he realized that illumination is especially focused when generated by our God who knows all, David’s fear was enhanced – but the spotlight of God created a new opportunity.
Rather than remain paralyzed by fear and darkness, David finally acknowledged his sins, confessed them and repented before God. His story became one of light as he found a new and brighter way of living. Under the cover of God’s forgiveness, David himself lit up and began to shine for others to see.
David shared many beautiful sentiments about life and light, death and dark, but in Psalm 27 he composed these words: “The Lord is my light and my salvation. Should I fear anyone?” Oh, how I wish I could hear his voice singing his tune! I can only imagine his powerful faithfulness booming through his hymn.
During this season of repentance, we have a gift to receive. Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have the same opportunity that was given to David. Repent and believe so that the Light of Christ may shine in you.
Creator God, shine your light on my heart. Hear my cries seeking your forgiveness, and move me in enlightened ways. Amen.