Just Enough Light

Have you ever been in a place where it is complete darkness? Where the darkness feels like a presence and you can’t see well enough to take the next step?

I have. We once visited a cave in Tennessee. After everyone got to a certain point the guide told us that they would turn off all the lights. Not to worry, to be still and eventually, the light would return and all would be well.

That darkness definitely had a presence and though I saw where I was standing, I was very uncertain of making just one move.

If we had flashlights we could illuminate the spot where we stood and the path before us. We could have enough light to make our way back out.

That is what it is like when we read the verse, ‘Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.’ Psalm 119:105

There’s just enough light to guide our path, our way through our lives at times. This requires quite a bit of trust and knowledge of our God and Savior.

Sometimes we just don’t know where God is leading us, but He is always leading us. Sometimes this leading is through very, very dark times. Have confidence He will get you through.

What do we learn about those times?

The very same things we were advised by the guide in the cave.

Don’t worry.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

This requires a great deal of trust in the one leading you. You need to have confidence that the one leading the way knows the way, knows the path and all that is before you. You also have to truly believe that the one leading you has your best interest at heart and wishes only to lead you in the right path.

Be Still.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!” Psalm 37:7

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

A Psalm of David. “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows” Psalm 23:1-6

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Behold, all who are incensed against you shall be put to shame and confounded; those who strive against you shall be as nothing and shall perish. You shall seek those who contend with you, but you shall not find them; those who war against you shall be as nothing at all. For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.”” Isaiah 41:10-13

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength…” Isaiah 30:15a

There are times we need to stop what we’re doing, quit all of our strivings and be still. We need to be still to set our hearts and minds right and to allow God’s leading in our lives. We need to be still so that we can be ready for the next step. We need to be still so that we can listen and hear. Have you ever been doing something and the sounds of that ‘doing’ drowned out all other sounds? Be still and listen. Be still and wait. Be still and trust.

Follow the Light.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” John 1:5

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12