Light of the World: A Devotional Study on Light

STORY: In the Dark

I’m writing this in the dark. Our electricity is off again. There are different degrees of darkness. If the sun is shining but the electricity is off, it’s not too bad (other than the inconvenience, certainly!). But when it’s dark outside and it is dark inside, it is way worse. I have a little headlamp I can put on to shine a bit of light. I also like to read books on my tablet, using the light from the device. I light candles. It’s common for the others in my household to want to sleep until the lights come back on.

I think of the instances I’ve been without electricity during and after a hurricane or tropical storm. Everything seems connected to electricity: lights, Wi-Fi, television, communication, cooking, air conditioning. That list doesn’t represent the order of importance when lost. Miserable times! But being in the dark when the electricity goes off can’t compare to having darkness in a person’s soul.

I have some acquaintances going through a dark time. They have turned away from God and feel depressed, discouraged, and alone. Like a victim. I know some others who are close to God, but the darkness of depression has formed a dark cloud over them. They pray often for release and relief. How I hurt for anyone who is experiencing darkness.

Let’s spend the next few months looking at the word light in Scripture.

STUDY: God is Light / Psalms

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd. You rescue the humble, but you humiliate the proud. You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. (Psalm 18:25-29 NLT)

• What can you learn about God’s character and actions from this passage?
• Which category do you identify most with in this psalm? How does God show himself to you?
• How does God illuminate your life?
• What darkness in your life does God overtake with his light?

I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are the same to you. (Psalm 139:7-12 NLT)

• This psalm shows us nothing can separate us from God. (See Romans 8:38-39.)
• When is there a time in your life that you wanted to get away from God?
• Describe a time when it seemed like God wasn’t there for you.
• What do you think darkness and light represent here?

The Lord is my light and my salvation—so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? (Psalm 27:1 NLT)

• Imagine telling yourself this verse. How does it bring comfort and peace to you?
• What does it mean for the Lord to be your light—how does that fact help you not be afraid?
• God is your salvation. Not merely your soul’s salvation to give you eternity with him. He also saves you from other things that bring you fear. He either gives you a way out or a way to bear it. How is God saving you this week?

You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Light shines on the godly, and joy on those whose hearts are right. May all who are godly rejoice in the Lord and praise his holy name! (Psalm 97:10-12 NLT)

• The word darkness in the Bible sometimes represents evil and wickedness.
• God shines his light on those who love God and live for him.
• What flows from us because of God’s light and because of our desire to live godly lives?

Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them! The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. (Psalm 119:129-130 NLT)

• What gives light in this passage? Where can you find the teaching of God’s Word?
• Are there times when you feel like you can’t understand the Bible? What can help with that?
• Sometimes, when our selfishness dictates our actions, it’s easy to develop a rebellious or neglectful spirit. How can you find God’s laws wonderful and want to obey them?

STEPS: Walking in the Light

1. When in the dark, look for the Light. Sometimes in darkness, we just fall asleep and wait for the lights to come back on. But when it comes to life, it’s good to look where the big “L” Light is and go there.
2. Be the little “l” light for someone else. Shine a ray of hope and joy into their darkness.

Copyright © 2021 Kathy Carlton Willis, used with permission.