“Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path, And [irrepressible] joy [is spread] for the upright in heart [who delight in His favor and protection].” – Psalm 97:11, AMP

According to Genesis 1:3-4, natural light was the first thing that God created on this planet; “And God saw the light, that it was good.”

Just imagine living in Alaska, where the sun never rises for several weeks during the winter season.

Not surprisingly, though this State is the largest by land area, it is also the least densely populated in the USA.

Sunlight is indispensable for life on earth; because plants, on which all life on earth depends, cannot grow without it.

In order to enable human activities to continue during the night hours, man invented artificial light using fire, oil, candles, and later electricity.

These inventions continuously transformed how people live, work, and interact during the dark hours of the day, thus making artificial lighting a fundamental part of academic, social and economic life.

“Light is sown [like seed] for the righteous and illuminates their path,” says the psalmist in our meditation today.

Biblically, light often symbolizes the presence and guidance of God.

Light is usually associated with truth and enlightenment and poetically symbolizes clarity and divine guidance.

What this implies is that those who live righteously will experience divine enlightenment and inspiration, hence acquiring deeper understanding and wisdom.

The imagery of ‘seed sown’ implies that this light is not merely given but is cultivated and grows over time as a result of their righteous devotion to the Lord Jesus.

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

This indicates that Christ brings spiritual illumination and understanding, revealing truth and moral clarity.

In Psalm 27:1, David says; “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Proverbs 4:18 says; “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.

Additionally, Psalm 112:4 says; “Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.

This captures the idea that those who are righteous or just will find divine guidance, clarity, and hope during challenging or troubled times.

The phrase implies that those who are righteous are under divine favor.

God’s presence and blessings will become evident in your life, providing comfort and resolution amidst your struggles.

In times of confusion or uncertainty, the righteous would receive insight and understanding to illuminate their path and show them direction along the way.

What we learn here is that devotion to God would always bring about spiritual illumination and assurance, transforming times of adversities into opportunities for growth and clarity.

It is a source of “irrepressible joy” – coming from inside out.

Just as Jesus is the Light of the world (John 8:12), His followers are called to reflect that divine light to the world around them.

This implies embodying and demonstrating the divine virtues and values in their daily lives.

Christians are encouraged to live in a manner that makes a positive impact and helps the world see and understand the principles of love, justice, and compassion.

In Philippians 2:15, the Bible says; “So that you may be blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine as lights in the world.”

By “shining as lights in the world,” we enable spiritual and moral renewal, thus bringing hope and transformation to communities and the entire society as a whole.