Advent Devotion – A Light Shines in the Darkness – Day 6

The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1

Face Your Fears

So, what’s keeping you up at night? What are you dreading? What holds you back from speaking up, taking a chance, or being fully yourself? What do you hope no one ever finds out? What’s your worst nightmare?

These fears are real. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. King David, the author of this psalm, knew fear firsthand. He faced armies at his door, endured malicious whispers and slander, and carried the weight of personal rejection. These fears weren’t imaginary—they were real, pressing, and sometimes overwhelming.

Yet David didn’t allow his fears to control him. Instead, he confronted them with the only power that could truly expose them for what they were. “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”

Considering David’s life and experiences, he could have been tempted to write that differently. After all, he was king of Israel, loved by the Lord, and adored by the people. He could have said his reputation was his light, his accomplishments were his salvation, or his relationships were his stronghold.

But he didn’t. He knew that anything other than the Lord would eventually fail to withstand fear and the things causing it.

David’s own life was proof. He killed a loyal friend to be with a woman. Thousands died because of a plague brought on by his greed. His son destroyed his reputation to take the throne. David knew very well that only the Lord could stand firm. Only the Lord could cast a light that exposes fear for the empty threat it often is. Only the Lord could be a refuge against forces far beyond human control.

What about you? How do you face your fears? Do you find security in your relationships or your child’s accomplishments? In your influence, career, or that special someone? Perhaps money in the bank, a life insurance policy, or a clean bill of health makes you feel strong. All of these will one day fail, fizzle out, or disappear. And when they do, the fear you tried to manage on your own doesn’t vanish—it remains, often stronger than before.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. The Lord is your light. He shines into the darkness of your fear, revealing it for what it truly is: a shadow that cannot withstand his presence. The Lord is your salvation. Only Jesus can rescue you, redeem what is lost, and restore what is broken—and he has! The Lord is your stronghold. Even if the worst happens, nothing can touch the security of your soul.

Whatever you named at the beginning of this devotion—the thing that keeps you awake, anxious, or worried—you don’t need to fear it. Hear the words of David for yourself: the Lord is your light, your salvation, and your stronghold. When he stands in your corner, fear is powerless. The battle is already won, and your soul can rest.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, as we wait for you this Advent season, shine your light into the fears and anxieties that keep us awake, and remind us that you alone are our salvation and stronghold. Help us to trust you above all else, knowing that nothing in this world can overcome the security we have in your presence. Prepare our hearts to celebrate your coming so that we may live each day in the peace and courage only you can give. Amen.

Written by Dawn Schulz