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

The first part of this Psalm has been set to music that is even now echoing in my mind, and the point in verse 8 about God’s people rejoicing at things that terrify others is impressive, but it’s these last two verses that resonate most with me right now. The expression of light being sown seems unusual, to say the least. We speak often of shedding light, but not of sowing light. That’s a synonym for plant, as in seeds, implying that there will be growth, and eventually fruition. That brings to mind Proverbs 4:18, that says, “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.” When God “plants” light in our hearts and lives we often don’t see it fully until later. What the Psalmist is saying is that if we live right, light is planted in our hearts and lives that will be manifested later, when it is needed. Going back to verse 8, circumstances might seem completely dark for those who don’t know God, but there is clear light for those who do know Him. We shouldn’t focus on “I’ve got to have light,” but rather focus on God who gives light, rejoicing in Him even when things aren’t as bright as we might like them to be.

I have had some pretty dark moments in my life, but in retrospect they don’t seem very long, or even that dark – even though I once attempted suicide. The problem was generally my perception, because God’s light never changes. When I am walking toward the light, everything is illuminated, but when I turn my back, my own shadow dominates. This is something I’ve expressed to others many times, but I need to keep remembering it myself! Circumstances change over time, so I need to stay focused on the One who is light, as John said in 1 John 1:5.

Father, thank You for this simple Word. Help me indeed be a sower of light, and not of darkness or confusion. May I allow Your light to grow in me and shine out from me, so that others may be drawn to You through me and allow Your light to grow in them as well, for the salvation of many and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!