Light of the World

When one of our daughters was about eight, she had trouble sleeping at night.

As soon as we began getting ready for bed, her behavior suddenly changed.  Something was clearly bothering her because she anxiously gathered her things and refused to leave my side.  

On numerous occasions, I attempted to talk it through with her, but the more we talked about it, the more afraid she would get.

An older friend from church advised that when we pray, I command the fear and powers of darkness to go, but oddly that didn’t seem to change anything for her either.  

However, while in my studies one day, I came across the following verse…

…The LORD, my God, lights up my darkness.  (Ps. 18:28 NLT)

I came to the realization that I can try to speak to the darkness and command it to go but in all reality the only thing that expels darkness is light.  Not my stern commands.  

A dark room simply needs the light to be turned on and the darkness will disappear on its own.  There is no need to cast it out.

Another connecting verse also caught my attention…

Your word is a lamp...and a light…(Ps. 119:105 NLT)

It suddenly became clear. I needed to give her a dose of God's word to bring light into her darkness. 

I began doing just that. 

Just before bed, I shared with her portions of scriptures that personally spoke to me that day. I broke it down for her in a way that she could understand it. I watched in amazement as her fear and anxiety were consistently replaced with quiet ease. 

Finally, one day she told me she didn’t need me anymore. 

I noticed Jesus often did just that. He spoke and preached messages of the kingdom and that alone caused demons to flee.

In fact, I began to utilize the same methods against anxious thoughts that occasionally troubled me. Instead of rushing to talk it through with another adult, I reached for my Bible and earnestly began asking God to bring light into my darkness.  

 

...when I fall I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.  (Mi. 7:8 KJV)

Supporting Text

The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding ... (Psalm 119:130) 

They looked unto him, and were lightened...(Ps.34:5)

 ... why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?  Send me your light ...(Ps.43:2-3)

The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light…(Matt. 4:16)

The Lord is my light...(Ps. 27:1)

...for the Lord giveth them light:...(Re. 22:5)