Afraid of the dark?I'm still a little bit afraid of the dark. Especially if I'm outside. So on those occasions when I go out after dark I carry a flashlight. Lately it seems like the world is dark even in broad daylight. And sometimes it feels a little scary to go out. And yet one of the most common commands in scripture from God to his people is “Be not afraid.” If only we had something to light our way... “Your word is a lantern to my feet and a light upon my path.” Ps 119:105 This verse from the psalmist is intended for us. When we are unsure of our path because it feels dark out there, we are encouraged to turn to God's word. Through the centuries, God's people have turned to his word for guidance and assurance. Why would we do any differently today. When we come to the scriptures, we might pray that God would use them to “shed a little light” on our lives as well as the world we live in. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be light bearers. The light is not our own, but rather that of Christ our Savior. In Jesus, the Word has become light incarnate. The light of Christ has come into the world and the darkness has not, will not, and cannot overcome it. I’m still going to carry a flashlight when I walk outside at night. And when the world feels dark and scary I will remember that God’s Word has plenty of light to shed on the matter.
Blessings, Matthew+ O Lord, mercifully receive the prayers of your people who call upon you, and grant that they may know and understand what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to accomplish them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (BCP p. 231) | 
