Psalm 97:11-12 Light is shed upon the righteous
and joy on the upright in heart.
Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous,
and praise his holy name.

The turn of phrase in the Japanese grabbed my attention as I read just now. It says, “Light is planted like seed for the sake of the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart.” That “planted like seed” is an image we don’t usually think of when it comes to light. Joy seems a little more possible, but light? As I think about it, a seed has great potential that isn’t immediately obvious. Sometimes God’s light in us seems like no big deal, until the moment comes when it is revealed in glory. The challenge of faith is to trust that the light we have been given will be manifested at the right time in the right way. It is by faith that the righteous can rejoice in the Lord and give thanks to His holy name, as it says in verse 12. It is when the way seems darkest that we are most challenged, but God is more than up to the task. His light is infinite, even when we don’t perceive it. Sometimes He has to give us a direct revelation for us to recognize the light He has already provided. As David said, “In your light we see light.” (Psalm 36:9) When things look dark, we need to ask the Lord to open our eyes to recognize the light He has already provided, perhaps hiding like a little seed in our heart.

I’m thankful to have this image pointed out to me. There have been times when things have seemed very dark, but everything is light in the Lord. Today we will be going to see Cathy’s orthopedic surgeon in hopes of dealing with the pain that is robbing her of sleep and a number of other things. The current situation could seem pretty dark, so we need to keep our hearts in the light, whatever is happening physically. I don’t understand how the procedure he mentioned on our last visit would deal with the issue, but at this point we’re ready to try just about anything. Cathy has no desire to go on opioids, since we know people who became addicted under just such circumstances, but we need to be open to whatever God has provided. As she has commented, her issues are certainly difficult, but they aren’t generally fatal, and we have two friends who are confronted with potentially fatal cancers right now. We need to “walk in the light as He is in the light,” (1 John 1:7) not for our own sake alone but for that of all who observe us, so that many may be brought to repentance and faith for their salvation.

Father, thank You for this image of light as seed. May I not only nurture the light You have planted in me, but be effective in planting your light in others as well, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!