I needed light as I traveled West Africa’s interior.
My colleague and I drove an old Volkswagen
whose headlights projected only candlelight power. That evening, we left the marketplace too late to arrive home while still daylight. The last hour of the trip took us through a sea of darkness where streetlights did not exist.
We craned our necks and pressed our foreheads against the windshield. We needed to be sure we stayed on the dirt road. The alternative was driving into high bush vegetation and meeting every living creature, including poisonous snakes. For that hour, we were glued to the road. But we crept ahead one step at a time and were thankful when we arrived home safely.
We associate candles with birthdays—blowing them out and making wishes. A candle’s light in the daytime is barely distinguishable, but when we light it at night during a power outage, it will brighten our surroundings.
The psalmist speaks of a lamp. The projection of a lamp is like a candle. Neither are headlights. They light the immediate area, not what’s around the corner.
Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s Prayer, which entailed praying for daily bread and protection. He knew the world’s darkness would always haunt us, even in daylight hours. Therefore, we need God’s light daily, not just in personal darkness.
In our Christian journey, God reminds us that He knows what’s around the corner. Modern technology cannot duplicate our Creator’s wisdom. Reading and studying God’s Word provides the light to see His way, and His glow safely lights our way.
How do you experience God’s candlelight guidance?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Deborah Payne is an educator in both the public and private sectors. Her passion is mentoring young believers. Deborah lives in Fort Wayne, IN, with her husband Bruce and playful cat Scooter.