--LIGHT IN THE DARK ~~

--"You, LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
---(Psalm 18:28)

~~~A severe thunderstorm passed through our new town, leaving high humidity and dark skies in its wake. I took our dog, Callie, for an evening stroll. The mounting challenges of my family's cross-country move grew heavier on my mind. Frustrated by the countless ways things had strayed so far from our high hopes and expectations, I slowed to let Callie sniff the grass. I listened to the creek that runs beside our house. Tiny lights flashed on and off while hovering over the patches of wildflowers climbing up the creek's bank. Fireflies!

The Lord wrapped me in peace as I watched the blinking lights cutting through the darkness. I thought of the psalmist David singing, "You LORD, keep my lamp burning" (Psalm 18:28). Proclaiming that God turns his darkness into light, David demonstrated confident faith in the Lord's provision and protection (vv. 29-30). With God's strength, he could handle anything that came his way (vv. 32-35). Trusting the living Lord to be with him through all circumstances, David promised to praise Him among the nations and sing the praises of His name (vv. 36-49).

Whether we're enduring the unpredictable storms in life or enjoying the stillness after the rains have passed, the peace of God's constant presence lights our way through the darkness. Our living God will always be our strength, our refuge, our sustainer, and our deliverer. ~

--ODB/XD
--"There Was Jesus"// (lyrics/ Zach Williams and Dolly Parton) = <https://youtu.be/3CNqhpRycfY>
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