Even in Darkness
Date: October 18, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse: Psalm 112:4 "Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous."
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Dear Lord, help me to be upright, gracious, compassionate, and righteous in all my actions. Open my heart to Your light, especially in times of darkness, and guide me to shine Your love into the lives of those around me.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Psalm 112 is a psalm of praise and encouragement. This verse reminds us that even in life's darkest moments, those who live with uprightness, grace, compassion, and righteousness will find God's light breaking through. It underscores the idea that living a virtuous life leads to God's illumination, hope, and blessings.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
Darkness: Refers to difficult and challenging times in life, to the trials in our life
Light dawns: Symbolizes God's guidance, revelation, and hope.
Upright: Living with integrity, honesty, and righteousness.
Gracious and compassionate: Displaying kindness and empathy toward others.
S - Summarize and Share:
This verse resonates deeply with me because it highlights the transformative power of living with graciousness, compassion, and righteousness. It's a reminder that our actions matter, even in the midst of life's darkest moments.
In times of difficulty and uncertainty, we have a choice. We can either succumb to the darkness, allowing it to define our outlook and actions, or we can choose to be upright in our conduct. Being upright means walking with integrity, honesty, and a commitment to doing what is right, regardless of the circumstances.
This verse encourages us to be gracious and compassionate. These qualities go hand in hand with righteousness. When we extend grace and compassion to others, especially when they are facing their own darkness, we become bearers of God's light in this world. We become instruments of hope and healing.
It's in those moments when we choose to be gracious, compassionate, and righteous that we witness the dawning of God's light in our lives and the lives of those around us. His light doesn't just dispel the darkness; it transforms it into something beautiful.
Let's make it a daily goal to be upright, gracious, compassionate, and righteous. Let's strive to be the embodiment of God's light in a world that often feels overwhelmed by darkness. In doing so, we not only invite His blessings into our lives but also become conduits of His love and grace.
4 Bible Cross References:
John 8:12 - "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.'"
Proverbs 4:18 - "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day."
Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Isaiah 58:10 - "And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday."
May this verse inspire you to walk in the light of God's love, especially when life gets tough, and may you shine that light for all to see.