You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. (Psalm 18:28) Light a candle in a dark room and what a change it brings about. There's always a sound of relief that goes along with it. Somehow most of us are averse to darkness, except of course when we retire in our beds at night. Even then some prefer to use a night lamp or soft bulb. However, here the psalmist is speaking of another kind of darkness. Darkness that has been brought about by problematic circumstances in his life. He definitely is hinting at the attacks of enemies upon his life. David was constantly pursued by King Saul who wanted him killed because he thought that David was a threat to his position as king. So Saul hunted him and tried to kill him 21 times. But he didn't succeed. Next enemy on the line was David's own son-Absalom. Here was an enemy who pained him all the more. David was in great mental anguish because of his son's ways of trying to become the king and lamented greatly when Absalom was killed in the process. David sang Psalm 18 when the Lord delivered him from all his enemies. The enemy of our soul & spirit- the devil also tries to bring darkness into our lives, but Jesus who is the "light of the world" dispels this darkness by His radiance. Jesus keeps our lamp burning- He keeps us alive as faithful witnesses for him, though often the enemy tries to test our integrity by his deceitful ways. Jesus said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) Trust in your Good Shepherd; he will not let you down. He will dispel the darkness in your life and make you walk in His light. He will keep your lamp burning as he kept David's. Be strong, be courageous, for the Lord God is your LIGHT. |