Psalm 63:7 - The Dark Side of God

There are several passages that say "God is Light;" that He shines His light on us through Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.

But then there's this enigmatic passage in Psalm 139:

“If I say, 'Surely the darkness will overwhelm me, and the light around me will be night,' even the darkness is not dark to You, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are alike to You.”  (Psalm 139:11–12, New American Standard, 1995) 

Beyond moral darkness, what does it mean? The psalm is about God being everywhere at all times. There's no place we can go where He doesn't already exist. God is with us in total darkness... even in a cave without starlight.

This is more than just physical darkness. Darkness can be emotional or existential--brought on by angst or isolation, loss or grief. At those times, recall what King David wrote when his enemies were chasing him around the wilderness of Judah:

“You have been my help, And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.” (Psalm 63:7, NASB)

Sometimes, what we take for darkness is actually a shadow--a shadow cast by God's own wings. His protective intention was once expressed by Jesus:

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me.”  (Luke 13:34, New Living Translation)

Father in heaven, I enjoy the days that are bright and sunny when I can see my way clearly. Thank you for days like that. Other days are dark. I lose my bearings and my inner compass seems to fail me. At those times, give me rest, peace and even joy in the shadow of your wings. In Jesus' name, Amen.