Light and Salvation

Light and Salvation Devo Image

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”—Psalm 27:1 (NIV)

As a child, I was deathly afraid of the dark. I’d lie there paralyzed by fear, hypervigilant to each sound, movement, and figure in my room. My parents would rationalize with me each night before bedtime reminding me the howling noises were the wind, the shadows peering through the window were trees, and the monstrous figures that appeared at night were only my toys. None of that soothed me, because the darkness obscured the truths my parents rehearsed with me. All that changed when they bought me a night light. Suddenly, the dismal environment became soothing. The light placed my surroundings into proper perspective.

Maybe the dark was never your childhood fear, but we’ve all experienced circumstances that have made us feel like we’re surrounded by darkness. Whether it’s a diagnosis, a broken relationship, or a traumatic event, life’s challenges can creep in and encompass our minds and hearts from every side. Dark moments can fill us with fear, even despair, and blur our vision to see our adversary, our surroundings, and our resources.

Because the dark can make us feel vulnerable, we must turn on the light. And that’s precisely what David does. Surrounded by trouble, he recalls God’s character. In doing so, he disarms the power fear has over him. By calling God his light and salvation, he ignites the flame of God Himself that exposes the feeble nature of his adversaries.

“When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident” (Psalm 27:2–3 NIV). As David recalls God’s nature, it causes him to grow confident as his troubles diminish. God is his light—the One who illuminates, guides, and brings clarity. God is his salvation—the One who delivers, protects, and rescues.

Like David, we have access to this powerful truth! On the cross, Jesus—the light of the world—defeated the powers of darkness that seek to destroy us. “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities” (Colossians 2:14–15 NLT).

When we acknowledge who Jesus is and what He’s done for us, every trouble that comes against us dwindles. Just like a night light dispels nocturnal fears, the light of the world dissipates the worries that enclose us. May we call on our Savior in times of darkness and watch as our troubles grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.

Pause: When you’re in the middle of a challenging circumstance, is your focus on your problems or on God’s character?

Practice: Take some time daily to praise God for His attributes, starting from A to Z (awesome, beautiful, creator, etc.) How does meditating on who He is affect how you view your worries?

Pray: Thank You Jesus for being my light and salvation. I know that because of who You are, nothing that comes against me will prevail. Teach my heart to focus on You instead of my problems so I can navigate those seasons with praise and rest. In Your name I pray, amen.

About the Author

Gabriella Bemis

Gabriella Bemis serves as a volunteer for Calvary’s communications and worship teams. She holds an M.A. in psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is passionate about integrating her knowledge of human behavior with the truth of God’s word. When she is not writing resources or singing at church, Gabi loves to paint, cook, and enjoy time outdoors with her family and friends.