Encouragement for Today 1st February 2022 | Turning Darkness to Light: God’s Word in Our Lives

The night had never seemed so dark.

It was my first time being a camp counselor and entertaining a group of younger children. We had just gotten ready to go to sleep when one of the little girls told me she needed her medicine before going to bed.

We were staying in a large cabin up on a hill overlooking another large cabin below, where all of the protected supplies, like medicine, were kept.

I didn’t know why this little girl hadn’t received what she needed from a camp supervisor before we turned in for the night. I also didn’t know what would happen if she didn’t receive it. So my teenage mind was made up: We were going to get her medicine.

With a small flashlight, and her little hand in mine, I set off — into the darkness of night.

As quickly as possible, I wanted to get her to the resources she needed, so we didn’t spend much time lingering around in the woods surrounding our cabin.

The flashlight didn’t allow us to see too far ahead of us, but the assignment to keep this child safe helped me to go anyway, leading her straight toward the winding steps several yards away.

The narrow path, surrounded by large, hundred-year-old trees, wound down the hill toward the other cabin. As we quickly but cautiously descended the staircase, many questions crossed my mind. Were we being watched by wild animals? Were we startling some away? And why did this path seem endlessly longer in the dark of night?

When we reached the bottom of the hill, we raced to the cabin up ahead and toward the medicine we were in search of. I was overcome with a deep sense of relief as we knocked on the cabin door and surprised the supervisors sitting by the fire inside.

That night serves as a reminder when I’m faced with life’s poorly lit spaces. You know, the ones that seem so much longer and darker than what you were imagining. The ones that remind you of your undeniable need to hold on to God’s hand to get you through. The ones that require hope and assurance to help you to keep moving forward.

No matter what our circumstance is, our key verse today reminds us of where we can immediately turn to get hope, assurance and clarity. Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Aren’t you glad we can turn to God’s Word for the light and direction we need?

My friend, be encouraged! No matter what dark place you’re currently navigating, God is also there, lighting the way.

It doesn’t matter how dark the night seems, how long and winding the path or how far your flashlight allows you to see. The Lord will light your way, and He knows exactly how much light you need on the journey.

There’s no need to linger in the darkness or doubt, no need to wonder who’s watching or to be discouraged by the path you’re on.

You’re on assignment, and God has things stored up for you that no diagnosis, disintegrating relationship, discouraging news or darkness can stop you from reaching.

Hold on to that dream, that promise of healing and that hope for a breakthrough. We may even be surprised with what we’re able to navigate because of God’s light and presence in our lives — if only we focus on the light, allowing it to be our guide.

You can breathe a sigh of relief — truly, right now — knowing His light is leading you toward all He has in store for you up ahead.

Lord, thank You for dispelling the darkness from my life. Thank You for lighting my path and for the ability to take another step forward. Continue to guide me as I carry out my life’s assignments. And thank You for providing all the light I need for the journey. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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ENGAGE

Want to connect with today’s devotion author, Tracie Braylock? Follow her on Instagram and be encouraged by her inspiring posts!

FOR DEEPER STUDY

Ephesians 5:8, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light …” (NIV)

2 Samuel 22:29, “You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.” (NIV)

What darkness in your life has God turned into light? What area of your life could use more of God’s light? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments.

Encouragement for Today 1st February 2022  © 2022 by Tracie Braylock. All rights reserved.

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