“For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” (2 Samuel 22:29, KJV)

ABSTRACT

In this uplifting theological reflection, we uncover the profound truth that God’s seasons of darkness serve as divine setups for His radiant light to emerge victoriously, demonstrating His unyielding sovereignty over trials, inviting us into moments of deep reflection and repentance, illuminating His mercy even amid judgment, and calling us to active faith toward Him and compassionate outreach to our neighbors, all woven together to transform our burdens into beacons of hope and eternal promise.

GODHEAD: SHINING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Let’s reflect on God’s amazing love and His plans for our lives. You see, sometimes we go through seasons of darkness—times when we feel overwhelmed, confused, and even burdened. But that darkness is not the end of your story. In fact, God’s darkness is a setup for His light to shine brighter than ever before! In 2 Samuel 22:29, the Bible declares, “…and the LORD will lighten my darkness.” Isn’t that powerful? For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness (Psalm 18:28, KJV), affirming how He ignites hope amid shadows, while And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16, KJV) reveals His guiding hand through uncertainty. Ellen G. White illuminates this further, stating, “Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love. Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy. He cares for all created things; and His love is revealed in all His works” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892), and Sr. White adds, “God is love; and love is the element of His nature, the atmosphere that surrounds Him” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 492, 1905). God never leaves us in the dark without a purpose. Through trials, He shows His sovereignty, His mercy, and His unmatched ability to transform our lives. Today, let’s look at how God’s darkness is not a punishment but an invitation—an invitation to draw closer to Him, to reflect, and to be transformed, but how exactly does His sovereign power assert itself within these enveloping shadows?

BEHOLD! GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY CONQUERS SHADOWS!

Let’s start with the story of the ninth plague in Egypt, a moment when God sent a thick darkness over the land for three days. Exodus 10:21-23 tells us, “And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days.” Now, this wasn’t just a physical darkness; it was a direct challenge to the Egyptian sun god, Ra. God was showing that He alone controls light and life. The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all (Psalm 103:19, KJV), underscoring His supreme rule even over chaotic voids, as And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, KJV) assures His purposeful orchestration in every affliction. Ellen G. White says in Patriarchs and Prophets (p. 272, 1890), “The ninth plague, the darkness that overspread the land of Egypt, was a direct challenge to the worship of the sun god Ra,” and Sr. White elaborates, “Every manifestation of creative power is an expression of infinite love. The sovereignty of God involves fullness of blessing to all created beings” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 33, 1890), while also noting, “Christ was not to exercise divine power for His own benefit. He had come to bear trial as we must do, leaving us an example of faith and submission” (The Desire of Ages, p. 119, 1898). Isn’t it amazing how God works? He’s not just the Creator of light; He’s the Master of the darkness too. He uses it to remind us that no idol, no false god, can stand against His power. If you’re in a season of darkness right now, remember: God is still in control. He hasn’t left you; He’s showing you His sovereignty in ways you might not see yet, yet what deeper purpose might this sovereign pause hold for our hearts amid such impenetrable gloom?

REVELATION! REFLECTION DAWNS IN THE VOID!

But God doesn’t stop there. That darkness over Egypt wasn’t just about judgment; it was an opportunity for reflection. Ellen White explains, “He would give the people time for reflection and repentance before bringing upon them the last and most terrible of the plagues” (Patriarchs and Prophets, pp. 271-272, 1890). God’s darkness invites us to pause, to reflect on our lives, and to turn back to Him. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise (Psalm 51:17, KJV), capturing the humility born in shadowed stillness, while Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD (Lamentations 3:40, KJV) calls us to introspective turning. Sr. White expands, “Repentance includes sorrow for sin and a turning away from it. We shall not renounce sin unless we see its sinfulness; until we turn away from it in heart, there will be no real change in the life” (Steps to Christ, p. 23, 1892), and further, “Our trials are often such that they seem almost unbearable, and indeed without help from God we could not bear them” (Review and Herald, August 25, 1891). In Genesis 1:2, we read, “And darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” Even in the darkness, God’s Spirit is moving! He’s not idle; He’s preparing to create something new in your life. So don’t despise the darkness. Let it be a moment where you ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me? How can I draw closer to You?” but how does this merciful invitation ultimately reveal the brilliance of His enduring affection piercing through our deepest nights?

RADIANCE! DIVINE LOVE BLAZES THROUGH THE STORM!

Here’s the good news: God’s darkness is always accompanied by His love. In The Great Controversy (p. 36, 1888), Ellen White writes, “In love, He stayed the hand of judgment and allowed men to see His mercy and long-suffering.” Even in judgment, God’s purpose is to save. Isn’t that incredible? His love is so great that He turns our trials into testimonies. Jesus Himself said in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” 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, KJV), manifesting His illuminating grace within us, as The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1, KJV) declares His protective glow. Sr. White affirms, “God is love, and His law is love. Its two great principles are love to God and love to man” (The Great Controversy, p. 267, 1888), and adds, “God’s love has been expressed in His justice no less than in His mercy. Justice is the foundation of His throne, and the fruit of His love” (God’s Amazing Grace, p. 167, 1973). Maybe today you’re feeling weighed down by grief, worry, or fear. But I’m here to tell you: God’s light is coming! He hasn’t forgotten you. He’s right there in the middle of the darkness, working things out for your good. Ellen White says in Steps to Christ (p. 103, 1892), “Through the darkest hours, God’s light shines brightest for those who seek Him.” So seek Him today. Call out to Him, and watch as He transforms your sorrow into joy, but what active steps does this radiant love demand from us in response to Him and those around us?

COMMAND! DUTY CALLS IN THE TWILIGHT!

Finally, let’s talk about what this means for us. First, we have a responsibility to God. He calls us to trust Him, to honor Him, and to reflect His character. Steps to Christ (p. 72, 1892) reminds us, “We are to acknowledge God in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.” That means even in the darkness, we must choose faith over fear. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, KJV), embodying our shared fidelity, while And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself (Matthew 22:39, KJV) extends that devotion outward. Sr. White challenges us, “Shall we let our neighbors remain in darkness without a preparation for the future life?” (Review and Herald, May 24, 1906), and declares, “The divine law requires us to love God supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves” (Sons and Daughters of God, p. 60, 1955), further emphasizing, “The development of all our powers is the first duty we owe to God and to our fellow men” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 330, 1900). But it doesn’t stop there. We also have a responsibility to our neighbors. We are called to be a light in the darkness for others. Let’s share God’s truth, extend His love, and be a source of hope to those around us, so how might these sacred duties culminate in a triumphant close to our shadowed journeys?

TRIUMPH! LIGHT ETERNAL BURSTS FORTH!

As I close, I want you to remember this: God’s darkness is not the end. It’s a beginning. It’s a moment where His power, His mercy, and His love are on full display. If you’re in a season of darkness, hold on. God is working. He’s drawing you closer, refining your faith, and preparing to light up your life in ways you can’t imagine. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1, KJV), sheltering us in divine refuge, while For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalm 30:5, KJV) heralds the dawn after dusk. Sr. White encourages, “If we overcome our trials and get victory over the temptations of Satan, then we endure the trial of our faith, which is more precious than gold” (Early Writings, p. 71, 1882), and assures, “Our lives are safe only when hid with Christ in God. We need every day to purify ourselves even as He is pure” (Calamities and God’s Love, p. 5, 1902). So, walk out of here today with confidence. Trust that the Lord who lightens your darkness will guide you every step of the way. And as Steps to Christ (p. 78, 1892) says, “The Lord is ever seeking to bring the soul into fellowship with Himself, that we may see His light in our darkness.” Amen.

“The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not” (John 1:5, KJV).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can we, in our personal devotional lives, explore these truths about God’s light in darkness, allowing them to shape our faith and priorities?

How can we present these themes to diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and relevance without compromising theological truth?

What common misunderstandings about God’s purpose in trials exist in our community, and how can we correct them using Scripture and Sr. White’s writings?

In what practical ways can our congregations and individuals reflect God’s light, becoming vibrant witnesses of His love and truth?