​God Promises You Can Walk in His Light

Psalms 56:12-13 I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. 13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.
 
THE Psalms are often formed into two parts: a problem and  a solution. This is true here. Psalm 56:1-7 can be summarized as David’s lament: V 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, eager to take my life. When you feel your “enemies” all around, it’s difficult, to walk before God in the light of life. You prefer to walk in the shadows, so no one sees your pain or distress, your worry or your weakness. You don’t want to be vulnerable to your enemies.
   But then David solved his despair. He did what we all need to do: stop and consider God’s very personal care over our lives.
   David says one way God cares for us is to keep accurate records of our troubles. V 8 (You) record my lament; list my tears on your scroll – are they not in your record? God very clearly tells us our words and actions are on his ledger to be read on the Day of Jesus’ return. We may consider this account of only a list of right and wrong things we’ve done. But the list includes our sufferings and griefs, and he will remove them. Revelation 7:17 “For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Imagine walking with God in the light of life to springs of living water! How good it will be when all burdens are gone!  
   But you don’t have to wait for heaven to walk before God in the light of life. Another way to say this is that you walk with God in the land of the living. David was rejoicing he could come out of hiding and live freely among people. God had given him victory over his enemies, and he knew God had lead him through many dark, life-threatening days. David trusted God to keep him safe. He thanked God for life, “You have delivered me from death.” He was grateful God had kept him “feet from stumbling.” David could walk before God, present with the Holy One, in the light of life because he had remained focused on God’s laws. When he sinned, he sought forgiveness. He submitted to the LORD’s judgment. David worshiped God and lived intentionally to obey God. “I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.” David was thankful for God’s personal care over him.
   Consider how God so personally cares for you. He sent Jesus to tell you, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
   The light of life turns the dark, sin-stained land into the land of the living. Jesus is life, and he makes you alive. If you have received him by faith as your Savior, confessing he is the Son of God, risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, then he is with you. Each step you take is walking with the Light of the World to experience the fullness of the light of life. You encounter each circumstance, whether it is bad or good, believing Jesus leads you. Walking in the light is understanding the Spirit of the Lord is very personally upon you. You recognize you have access to the King’s throne through your prayers, praises and petitions.
   God gave to David all things he needed to live under God’s care. He gave to David his promises, his justice, his forgiveness and his reward. David trusted God through all the hard times, so he could rejoice with God and give thanks in the good times.
   God has given you his only Son, so you may walk before God now and forever in the light of life.