Keep My Lamp Burning

You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28

One of the sweetest joys of being a grandparent is being able to read to our boys at bedtime when we are with them, and then having the opportunity to tuck them in before they sleep. Bob and I both cherish this time as we each take turns with one, then the other, and we cozy up in a chair and read book after book. Cole looks forward to it as much as we do, but Miles humors us! He knows how much we love it, but since he has been reading on his own, he often reads to us – which is great.  But at 7, we know these times with him will soon end!

Recently while we were visiting, we tucked them in, gave them hugs and kisses and left them to sleep. When I went back later to check, Miles was still awake and said he was having trouble falling asleep. He asked if I would sit in his room until he did. Of course, I was more than happy to and smiled as I waited, thinking of how much joy these little boys bring and how blessed I am to be their Nan.

As I sat there quietly in the darkness, his night light was on, and all I could see was the outline of his body lying snuggly under the covers. He whispered once or twice, “I still can’t sleep, Nan,” and I gently reassured him that he was really tired and that he would fall asleep soon. 

Within moments, his quiet, steady breathing signaled sleep. I just kept sitting there with him, wanting my presence to make him feel secure and loved. But before I left, I just needed to see that sweet little face one more time. I turned on his lamp, brushed his forehead with a kiss, and said a prayer that God would continue to keep him in His care.

How grateful I was for the light to truly see that all was well and that he was peacefully at rest.  How grateful I was that the light of God’s love was shining brightly over him, as well.

Light – something that makes it possible for us to see clearly things as they really are. Light reveals. It dispels fear. It brings hope. It symbolizes protection.

Scripture tells us that light is inherently God, and the world is filled with darkness, evil, and hopelessness. Without the light of His love, we would stumble around in the darkness and become lost.  In John 8:12, we read, “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’ “

How we need this Savior and His light to show us the way, to illuminate our minds, hearts, and will to His truths as we walk through life. No amount of darkness can ever dispel the presence of His power and His love for us. The light of His love and compassion can bring such peace and comfort to our hearts as we feel His presence with us as He guides and directs our path. He is the only One who can enlighten our spirits and be “our candle” in the darkness. “You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning.”

May we let His light shine in us and light up the darkness around us for others to see. May our lamps always burn brightly in a world filled with darkness and despair. May we bring hope, peace, and comfort to a world longing for the light of His love.

 Prayer

Dear Lord, what a dark world we live in. You are indeed the lamp and the light that guides our way. May your light continue to grow in us and with it, may we show others the love, assurance, hope, and joy that a life in you can bring. Amen