Send Me Your Light
Date: October 2, 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?
Over the next 30 days, as we explore scriptures related to "Light in the Darkness," remember that God's light is powerful. It can guide us, provide clarity, and bring us into His presence. Let's go on this journey together, seeking His light to chase away every shadow that tries to dim our faith.
B - The Bible Verse in NIV: Psalm 43:3 - "Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell."
L - Listen for God's Word and pray: Dear Heavenly Father, in this moment, we seek Your divine light and faithful guidance. Illuminate our path as we delve into Your Word. May Your Word speak to our hearts, and may we open ourselves to receive Your revelation. In this time of reflection, grant us clarity and understanding. Amen.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: Psalm 43 is often attributed to King David, a man who had his share of trials and tribulations. This particular psalm is a prayer for deliverance and guidance, composed during a time of distress. The verse speaks of an earnest plea to God, a heartfelt request for His light and faithful care to lead the way. It echoes the universal human desire for divine guidance when we find ourselves in the middle of darkness and uncertainty. David yearns to be in God's presence, recognizing that God's light can dispel the shadows of doubt and despair.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Send me your light and your faithful care": This phrase expresses a deep longing for God's guidance and love, acknowledging that it's His light and faithfulness that can provide direction.
"Let them lead me": This part emphasizes the psalmist's desire for God to take an active role in guiding their life.
"Let them bring me to your holy mountain": This signifies a spiritual journey, a quest for a closer relationship with God, a desire to reach the heights of holiness.
"To the place where you dwell": The ultimate goal is to dwell in the presence of God, to be in communion with Him.
S - Summarize and Share:
In the middle of life's twists and turns, it's inevitable that we encounter moments of darkness. These can take so many different forms: the uncertainty of a new chapter in life, the heavy burden of grief, the confusion of a challenging decision, or simply the struggles of daily living. It's during these times that we yearn for light – a guiding force that can illuminate our path and lead us through the shadows.
During times like these, this verse can really hit home. It's a heartfelt plea to the Divine, a cry for God's light and faithful care to be sent our way. David recognizes that in God's light, we find clarity, hope, and purpose.
Think about your own life journey. When have you faced moments of darkness, when the path ahead seemed uncertain and shadows threatened to obscure your way? Perhaps it was a period of loss, when grief cast a long shadow over your heart. Or maybe it was when you stood at a crossroads, unsure which direction to take.
For me, this verse reminds me of a particularly challenging time in my life when I was dealing with the decision as to whether or not to give up a full-time job to devote more time to mission work. I didn’t have a clue what the future held for me, and I longed for a guiding light to lead me forward.
In those moments, Psalm 43:3 became a prayer, an anchor for my soul. It was a reminder that God's light could pierce through any darkness. Through prayer and meditation on His Word, I sought His guidance. Slowly but surely, that divine light began to shine. It illuminated the path before me, helping me make decisions, find peace, and rediscover hope.
So, when we dig into this scripture, don’t just read it as words on a page. Make it personal. Reflect on those times when you've cried out for God's light in your own life. Consider the moments when His guidance and presence were your greatest sources of strength. Embrace this verse as a reminder that God's light is available to you, even in your darkest hours.
Bible Cross References
Psalm 27:1 (NIV) "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?"
John 8:12 (NIV) "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.'"
Psalm 119:105 (NIV) "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV) "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."