Light and Darkness

I recently read something that made me see this scripture in Psalm 23:4 in a different light. This verse speaks of the valley of the shadow of death. A shadow has no substance. A shadow isn’t even possible without the presence of light to give shape to the shadow. It is also true that darkness has no substance. It is simply the absence of light.

In Psalm 23:4 David, who wrote the Psalm, spoke about the shadow of death, but went on to say, “I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” It struck me that, even though there was a very ominous shadow present in this valley David referred to, this would imply that light had to be present. Perhaps that would explain David’s confident declaration that he did not fear. He also wrote in Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my Light and my Salvation—whom shall I fear or dread?” He had an intimate relationship and personal knowledge of the One who said, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12). He understood that the Lord as His light was far more powerful than any darkness, or appearance thereof. “Even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You” (Psalm 139:12).

There are so many scriptures referring to the Lord as being the One who gives light and Himself is the Light. His very being is light and life! “In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men. And the Light shines on in the darkness, for the darkness has never overpowered it [put it out or absorbed it or appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it.” (John 1:4-5). How encouraging to know that we do not need to fear the shadows that life brings across our way. When we belong to the Lord, and we have His presence within us, we can know that we are never alone and left vulnerable to the devices of the enemy. He is our light ands, and the One who can never be overpowered by darkness or the shadow-filled seasons of life!

Prayer: Thank You so much, Lord, that I never need to be fearful when I feel overwhelmed by the shadows of this life. Thank You that You are the Light within me, and that You cover me and protect. “For You cause my lamp to be lighted and to shine; the Lord my God illumines my darkness” Amen. (Psalm 18:28).