Read: Psalm 36:5–12
See the Light
Psalm 36:9 – “In your light do we see light.”
Do you like camping? Picture a campground deep in the forest on a cloudy night after the campfires have gone out. It’s pretty dark, isn’t it? It’s so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face. But you need to walk back to your campsite.
Then someone snaps on a flashlight—ahh, now you can see something! Your eye is drawn to the flashlight itself and then it quickly takes in the roadway. Now you can see where you’re going and can make your way back without stumbling or getting hurt.
This is what David means by saying of God, “In your light do we see light.” Our world is a dark place but God is like that flashlight. Without his light, people stumble around in spiritual blackness, not knowing where the path is. They take wrong turns, bump into things, and even fall into the ditch. So many people don’t know the true meaning of life, don’t worship the Creator, and simply live for their own pleasure. They don’t recognize sin and evil. They are unaware of the danger of indulging their own desires while ignoring their Maker. In the end, they will “lie fallen . . . unable to rise” (v. 12).
But those who love the Lord and trust in him, they have eyes to see! And God lights up the darkness around them with his word that tells them all about his steadfast love and faithfulness, about his righteousness and salvation! As believers, we look to God as the source of spiritual light, of knowledge and wisdom, so that we can find our way safely through this life.
God’s light shines brightest in his Son Jesus Christ who is both “the Word” and “the light of the world” (John 1:1, 9). Jesus shows us God’s love, faithfulness, and righteousness not by telling us how to save ourselves but by doing all the saving work himself. When we trust in his death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness of all our sins, the comfort and peace of his Spirit, and an eternal future with God. With Christ is the fountain of life!
So now we may go through life guided by his good commandments and aided by his good Spirit. The darkness is chased away. Injury and pitfalls can be avoided by rejecting evil and embracing a holy lifestyle. See the light and walk in it!