Light My Lamp!

“It is you who light my lamp;
    the Lord my God lightens my darkness.
For by you I can run against a troop,
    and by my God I can leap over a wall.
This God—his way is perfect;
    the word of the Lord proves true;
    he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.

For who is God, but the Lord?
    And who is a rock, except our God?—
the God who equipped me with strength
    and made my way blameless.
He made my feet like the feet of a deer
    and set me secure on the heights.
He trains my hands for war…
You have given me the shield of your salvation,
    your right hand supported me,
    and your gentleness made me great.
You gave a wide place for my steps under me,
    and my feet did not slip…
You equipped me with strength for the battle…

The Lord lives, blessed be my rock,
    exalted be the God of my salvation..—

For this I will praise you, O Lord,
    and sing to your name.
Great salvation he brings to his king.” Psalm 18:28-36,39a,46,49-50a

Many are the mentions in Scripture of lamps, from their burning in temple worship to their importance in military conquest to their significance in watching for the bridegroom’s coming. God’s word is likened to a lamp lighting the believer’s way. David’s praise of God as his strength, rock, shield, and deliverer presupposes the Lord’s salvation of his soul and expresses his grateful dependence on God’s ongoing supply for the light of his life. Any success of his was the result of God’s grace and bounty. (Exodus 27:20-21; Judges 7:16-22; Proverbs 6:23; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:35)

We live in a dark world, the glory of God shrouded by sad effects of the fall. Immorality, profanity, sickness, relational and national divisions, suffering, betrayal, violence, and death all cast shadows on what the Lord intended for good. Jesus as Light of the world calls us to be filled with light and shine as lights for Him. (Genesis 1:31; Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12; Philippians 2:14-16)

Where am I lacking Christ’s light? Do I need His inspiration in my spiritual disciplines, or at work? Am I lacking wisdom and insight in a particular situation or relationship? Do I need the light of hope in grief, comfort in discouragement, or fortitude in opposition? Have I coddled sin and need His forgiveness to free me from its darkness? Look to the Lord for light! (Psalm 119:105; 1 John 1:7-9)

When we turn to the Lord to fill our lamps- of soul, mind, outlook, or priorities- we can trust His Spirit’s supply. As we then walk in that light, delighting in His presence, we will be able to rejoice in its illumination and divine effects. When have we last enumerated the many ways God has lightened our darkness? Staying filled with Christ’s light ensures security, hope, and inner joy. (Psalm 36:9; Ephesians 5:18-20)

“Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, 
give me oil in my lamp, I pray;
give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning, 
keep me burning till the break of day.

Give me joy in my heart, keep me praising, 
give me love in my heart, I pray;
give me peace in my heart, keep me loving, 
keep me burning till the break of day.” ~ A. Sevison (20th c)

Lord, light my lamp daily, so I might burn for Thee.