“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
John 8:12
Have you ever traveled in this life discouraged, wondering how long your troubles may last? Have you had sorrow in your heart, sometimes feeling like the Lord has forgotten you? David wrote a Psalm with some of these questions in his heart and mind. Remember that before David became the king of Israel, King Saul spent many years chasing him wanting to kill him. It was during these days (before he became king) that David took his questions to the Lord.
Read Psalm 13: “1. To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2. How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3. Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:1-6). This is a song that David wrote during trying times when he felt that God had forgotten him. However he trusted that the Lord was there and would take care of him. Therefore, David would rejoice. David recorded this, obviously to encourage others as well. Although we have no idea what the tune was, the words are extremely relevant for each person today who must remember to trust in the Lord.
The following song has an encouraging message that reminds me of how David learned to trust God through his troubles, sorrows, and days where he believed his enemy was prevailing over him. Heavenly Sunlight helps one remember that we do not walk through this world alone – for God promised to never forsake those who belong to Him (see Hebrews 13:5)!
Heavenly Sunlight (by H.J. Zelley)
1. “Walking in sunlight, all of my journey;
Over the mountains, thro' the deep vale;
Jesus has said, “I'll never forsake thee,”
Promise divine that never can fail. [Refrain]
2. Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide;
He is the light, in Him is no darkness,
Ever I'm walking close to His side. [Refrain]
3. In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above;
Singing His Praises, gladly I'm walking,
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.[Refrain]
Refrain:
Heavenly sunlight, heavenly sunlight,
Flooding my soul with glory divine;
Hallelujah! I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.”
Read a few more encouraging verses of which this song may remind you:
- “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
- “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6).
- “As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (2 Corinthians 6:10).
- “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (I John 5:5).
- “5. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 6. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Finally, remember how Jesus encouraged His disciples before he went to the cross: “1. Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so,I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, thereye may be also. 4. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.5. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 6. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:1-6).
If David, who looked forward to Jesus’ day, could trust in the Lord and be encouraged, we too can be encouraged today.
Do you recognize that the Lord will be with you through trials, remembering that Jesus is “the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life”?