The Lord will Enlighten the Darkness

Psalm 18:28-29 NKJV – “For You will light my lamp; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, by my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.”

Without light our way can be so easily hindered, for darkness becomes a canopy hovering over our pathway. It’s important for us to recognize our dependency upon God to accompany us along life’s highway; for it’s the light of his presence that keeps us from stumbling over unseen obstacles.

If you notice in these verses, it transitions from a declaration that God will light my lamp to a military advancement. In the heat of the battle David knew the dangers that lurked in the darkness, potential ambush from the enemy, hidden traps that could cause great injury and leave him wounded and in danger of being taken out by the enemy. In Biblical times the enemy would hide divisive caltrops that consisted of two to three nails or spikes that could cause painful, debilitating puncture wounds to the foot of a solider rendering him unfit to march or properly defend himself in the battle. If we are surrounded by darkness, we cannot see such traps or see a hidden ambush ahead of us.

THE LORD GOD WILL ENLIGHTEN MY DARKNESS

When difficulties and distractions come it’s easy to allow ourselves to succumb to the pressure of what we’re walking through. In these moments of distress we need God to enlighten our pathway with his divine presence. Otherwise, these things can often dim our spiritual vision causing us to lean into self-navigation and forget God’s faithfulness and his promise to enlighten our way. This is the perfect opportunity for the enemy to strike and catch us off guard.

Scripture Reflection:

• 1 Peter 5:8 (TLB) – “Be careful—watch out for attacks from Satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion, looking for some victim to tear apart.”

Trying to prove myself as a single mom has gotten me in trouble in the past. Choosing to declare my independence implied that I was standing alone, refusing to tap into the power and strength that comes from God.

These particular verses are such compelling reminders that we can overcome, and secure the victory against the enemy of our souls, because of what Jesus did on the cross. He disarmed the principalities and power of darkness. When we walk hand in hand with the Light of World, no darkness will befall us. The light of his presence and the living breath of his words will give us wisdom, direction, guidance, protection, discernment, and victory allowing us to run through the enemy’s troop and leap over a wall!

KEYS TO VICTORY IS FOUND IN HIS WORD AND PRESENCE

• Psalm 27:1-4 (TLB) – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; he protects me from danger—whom shall I fear? When evil men come to destroy me, they will stumble and fall! Yes, though a mighty army marches against me, my heart shall know no fear! I am confident that God will save me.”

• Psalm 119:105 (TLB) – “Your words are a flashlight to light the path ahead of me and keep me from stumbling.”

• Psalm 119:130-135 (AMP) – “The unfolding of Your [glorious] words give light; their unfolding gives understanding to the simple (childlike). I opened my mouth and panted [with anticipation], because I longed for Your commandments. Turn to me and be gracious to me and show me favor, as is Your way to those who love Your name. Establish my footsteps in [the way of] Your word; do not let any human weakness have power over me [causing me to be separated from You]. Redeem me from the oppression of man; that I may keep Your precepts. Make Your face shine [with pleasure] upon Your servant, and teach me Your statutes.”

The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness!