Psalm 27:1 - My Light

Is anyone really afraid of the dark, per se? Isn't it the anxiety that something bad may be lurking in the shadows?

I enjoy walking at night, on a clear night. The darker, the better it is for seeing stars.

But we had a dog that didn't like going for walks at night. The poor creature would lunge on her leash to avoid dark passageways. She would jump at her own shadows.

When they were little, my kids were creeped-out by our unfinished basement, especially looking down steep, unlit stairs. They were convinced that a hobo was lurking down there.

On the other hand, I remember walking through a rough part of Chicago alone one night as a young man. Someone stepped out of a darkened doorway and growled, "Boy, what are you doing here this time of night?" I don't know what I muttered--if anything--in response. I was just glad that the man didn't stop me or try to follow me. And I'll admit that I was afraid to walk through that particular neighborhood at night again.

So it's not just children who fear that something or someone may jump--or creep--out of the shadows. Nor is it always literal darkness. Individuals face any number of shadows. Yet...

"The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble?" (Psalm 27:1, New Living Translation, 2015)

Some people seem to never hit any dark spells. But eventually, there's the shadow of death. But...
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me...." (Psalm 23:4, English Standard Version)

This Light isn't a phenomenon of physics. It's a Person. Jesus said,
“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12, NLT)

Thank You, Lord, that You don't just carry a flashlight  or candle for me. You ARE my light.  Give me peace and confidence to fall in step with You, since nothing will surprise You by jumping out of the dark. Amen.

Illustration by Paul Carlson: Tom and Becky in the cave ("Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain)