Jul 11

Some of the things that we enjoy in this life as gifts from God have become so familiar to us that we easily forget they are truly wonderful gifts from God. Even so "simple" a thing as light and the ability to see it and its ability to grant us the ability to see everything else -- even this very familiar blessing is easily forgotten as the great blessing it is. But, as is so often the case, once a blessing is gone, then we quickly realize how great was that gift from God that we enjoyed.

The gift of light is another blessing that the godless will lose at death. I find the words of Psalm 49:19 to be sobering and terrifying:

"They will see the light no more forever."

The same message could have been given simply by saying that after death, the wicked will not see light any more. But Scripture adds that they will see it no more "forever". Those chilling words add a seriousness to the already serious atmosphere of this passage. When I contemplate on those words and then read that one little extra word added onto the end, . . .

But, as always, Scripture offsets this saddening proclamation with the good news of God's reward for those who love him: They will enjoy light forever in the brilliant glories of heaven.

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

Scripture for today: Psalm 49:19; Psalm 18:28
Thought for today: Light is a gift from God.
Prayer for today: You, O Lord, turn the darkness of my death into the light of everlasting life in Christ. Thank you.

JUL 11