Light and Darkness

Exodus 14:19-20 - And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. 

I praise God for being a light in this dark world. I am able to see the darkness around me but know that I don't need to be consumed by it. I know what God's Word says about the darkness and know that  in these days it will only get worse. While I praise Him for His light, I pray that more would see it. 

Israel was set free from captivity in Egypt and set out following God to their Promised Land. It would be a longer journey than necessary, but some would eventually arrive. He went before and behind them as their protection. As long as they had His protection they had life. Remember, Pharaoh's army was out to kill them. While Israel crossed the dry sea bed and probably marveled at how the water could stand straight up on either side of them, in one fell swoop, God was able to kill Israel's enemy. 

I loved these scriptures for this reason: In the same way God guided and protected Israel, He becomes our guide and protection, but only when we set our hearts upon Him and seek Him.  He plants Himself between our enemies and us. He can be the cloud behind us that we might not be seen, yet be the light to our feet before us to light the path He has for us. 

There are other verses that show that He surrounds those whom He calls His children, those who have received Him to themselves and are in relationship with Him.

Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them. 

Psalm 125:2 - As the mountains surround Jerusalem, So the LORD surrounds His people From this time forth and forever. 

Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭8 - And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.

Isaiah 43:2 - When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. 
There are many more illustrative scriptures like this. Many...all promises Of God for those who walk with Him.

Jesus is the light of the world and the world is in darkness until they know Him. They do not see the need for Him...they are in darkness. They do not follow after Him...they are in darkness. The truth of His word is offensive...they are in darkness. We all start out like that. I was a good example of stubbornness against seriously seeking Him. But He became a light in my life.

When our enemy comes chasing after us, whether it be real, emotional, mental, whatever that sly devil wishes to do to steal, kill and/or destroy us, if we know Jesus all we need to do is call on the name of the Lord and be saved. That's also what He wants us to do to come into right relationship with Him. Call on His name with a sincere heart and receive true life. For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (‭Romans‬ ‭10‬:‭13‬)

John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”