Sometimes we don’t have the answers and we feel as if we are stumbling around trying to find our way through the dark. Sometimes we are in a holding pattern, trying to make a decision and figure out the next steps to take. Sometimes we feel helpless to do anything because our circumstances are so overwhelming and complicated. In times like these, we need a different perspective and focus. As David began to grow weary and distressed, he called out for God to send 2 things…His light and His truth.
“Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!” Psalm 43:3
God doesn’t want us to be in darkness. He wants us to walk in the light. There are many references in the Bible to God providing and being light and that light being a resource for us. Jesus is the ultimate light to dispel the darkness of this world.
Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. 4:6
For it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness. Psalm 18:28
Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me. Micah 7:8
David knew that he needed God’s guidance and God’s perspective in order to not become overwhelmed and defeated by his circumstances. He knew that when he could see God’s hand in his life, he could rejoice instead of fret and worry.
“Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God.” Psalm 43:4
David also needed God’s truth. He needed to lean on God’s Word and on the knowledge of God’s character and promises.
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Proverbs 30:5
“Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,”. Ephesians 6:14
It can be easy to get discouraged, especially when we are facing difficult circumstances and the days seem long and weary. We may want to give up and throw in the towel but we should be encouraged as David was to pray and ask for Gods to send His light and His truth to help us and guide us. God can use our circumstances to draw us into closer dependence and relationship with Him.
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31
Reflection:
- Are you in a time of waiting or dealing with difficult circumstances? If so, to what degree are those circumstances directing your focus?
- Do you need guidance and wisdom to deal with your circumstances?
- Have you asked God for light and truth to help you have the right perspective?
Prayer: Father, we need your light and your truth as we walk through the dark valleys of this present life. Circumstances can become our focus instead of Your truths and promises. We can forget that our limited perspective keeps us from seeing You at work as You orchestrate the more eternal, bigger picture with ultimate wisdom and sovereignty. May our circumstances draw us closer to You and may we trust that You will give us the resources we need to persevere and overcome.