LET THERE BE LIGHT

31-DAY DEVOTIONAL

We all have areas in our lives that need the light of God. Luckily, the Bible has a lot to say about light. Light is a repeating theme in Scripture, representing truth, goodness, God’s presence, and holiness. Light is a symbol of wisdom, hope, and grace. This month, take a few minutes each day to read verses about light and reflect on inviting God’s light into dark places.

“Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

week 1

JANUARY 1 | Day 1
Read Genesis 1:1-5

The Beginning
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Reflection Questions:
  1. Why do you think God created light first?
  2. How does light symbolize hope in your life?
  3. Where do you see God’s light breaking through darkness in your life right now?
JANUARY 2 | Day 2
Read Psalm 104:1-2

1 Praise the Lord, my soul.
Lord my God, you are very great;
you are clothed with splendor and majesty.
2 The Lord wraps himself in light as with a garment;
he stretches out the heavens like a tent

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this imagery of God as light affect how you see His majesty?
  2. What areas of your life need God’s light to shine?
  3. How can you reflect His light to others?
JANUARY 3 | Day 3
Read John 1:1-5

The Word Became Flesh
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this passage encourage you in times of darkness?
  2. In what ways has Jesus been a light in your life?
  3. How can you share this light with someone today?
JANUARY 4 | Day 4
Read Isaiah 60:19-20

The Beginning
1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Reflection Questions:
  1. Why do you think God created light first?
  2. How does light symbolize hope in your life?
  3. Where do you see God’s light breaking through darkness in your life right now?
JANUARY 5 | Day 5
Read Job 12:22

22 He reveals the deep things of darkness
and brings utter darkness into the light.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What areas of your life seem darkest right now?
  2. What “deep things” are being revealed out of that darkness?
  3. Who do you know that is in a dark place and needs some light? How can you be the light of Jesus to them today?
JANUARY 6 | Day 6
Read Psalm 27:1

Of David.
1 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?

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this verse help you face fear?
  2. What does it mean to you that God is both your light and salvation?
  3. How can you remind yourself of this truth daily?
JANUARY 7 | Day 7
Read Revelation 21:23-25

23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this picture of eternal light inspire hope in you?
  2. What does it mean to live now with eternity in mind?
  3. How can you focus on God’s everlasting glory in your everyday life?

week 2

JANUARY 8 | Day 8
Read Exodus 13:21-22

21 By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How has God guided you in times of uncertainty?
  2. How can you better trust God to lead you in the darkness?
  3. What would it look like to follow His guidance more closely today?
JANUARY 9 | Day 9
Read Psalm 119:105

נ Nun
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.

Reflection Questions:
  1. On a scale from 1-10, how much is God’s Word providing direction in your life?
  2. What area of your life is most out of alignment with God’s Word?
  3. What step can you take today to bring that area more into alignment with God’s Word?
JANUARY 10 | Day 10
Read Isaiah 9:2

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What darkness in your life has God’s light overcome?
  2. How does this passage give you hope for others in spiritual darkness?
  3. What can you do to bring the message of Jesus’ light to someone today?
JANUARY 11 | Day 11
Read 2 Samuel 22:29

29 You, Lord, are my lamp;
the Lord turns my darkness into light.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What darkness are you facing now that you need God to illuminate?
  2. How have you experienced God turning darkness into light in the past?
  3. How can this verse strengthen your trust in God?
JANUARY 12 | Day 12
Read Psalm 36:9

9 For with you is the fountain of life;
in your light we see light.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does God’s light help you see situations more clearly?
  2. What does it mean to you that God’s light is life-giving?
  3. How can you let God’s light shape your perspective today?
JANUARY 13 | Day 13
Read Luke 1:76-79

76 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High;
for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him,
77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins,
78 because of the tender mercy of our God,
by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven
79 to shine on those living in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

Reflection Questions:
  1. How has Jesus guided you during chaotic times?
  2. What does it mean for you to walk in His peace?
  3. How can you help guide someone toward peace today?
JANUARY 14 | Day 14
Read Matthew 4:16

16 the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.”[a]

Reflection Questions:
  1. Where is Jesus’ light bringing hope into your life?
  2. Who in your life needs to experience this same hope?
  3. How can you be a reflection of God’s light to them?

week 3

JANUARY 15 | Day 15
Read John 8:12

Dispute Over Jesus’ Testimony
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Reflection Questions:
  1. Why do you think Jesus chose to identify himself as “the light of the world”?
  2. How does following Him keep you from walking in darkness?
  3. How can you shine His light in your daily life?
JANUARY 16 | Day 16
Read Matthew 5:14-16

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does it make you feel that Jesus – the light of the world – says that we, as his followers, are also the “light of the world”?
  2. What situations most tempt you to hide your light?
  3. What step can you take today to point others to God’s glory?
JANUARY 17 | Day 17
Read John 12:35-36

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. 36 Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Reflection Questions:
  1. Is there a relationship in your life where you feel like you’re walking in shadows?
  2. How can you walk more fully in Jesus’ light in that relationship?
  3. What would it look like to trust Him in the dark areas of your life?
JANUARY 18 | Day 18
Read 2 Corinthians 4:6

6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How has God’s light transformed your heart?
  2. How can you reflect this light to those around you?
  3. How does the knowledge of His glory encourage you?
JANUARY 19 | Day 19
Read John 9:5

5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Reflection Questions:
  1. What does Jesus being the light of the world mean for your daily life?
  2. How can you carry His light into your workplace or community?
  3. How can you remind yourself of His presence throughout the day?
JANUARY 20 | Day 20
Read 1 Peter 2:9

9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What does it mean to live as someone called out of darkness?
  2. How can you declare God’s praises today?
  3. Who in your life needs to hear about His marvelous light?
JANUARY 21 | Day 21
Read Ephesians 5:8-10

8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What does it mean to you to live as a child of light?
  2. How can you pursue goodness, righteousness, and truth today?
  3. What areas of your life need more light?

week 4

JANUARY 22 | Day 22
Read Psalm 139:11-12

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
the night will shine like the day,
for darkness is as light to you.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this passage give you comfort during difficult times?
  2. Where do you see God working even when it feels dark?
  3. How can you trust Him more deeply in times of uncertainty?
JANUARY 23 | Day 23
Read Micah 7:8

Israel Will Rise
8 Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this verse encourage you in moments of weakness or failure?
  2. When has God been a light for you in a dark time?
  3. How can you hold onto this promise during future challenges?
JANUARY 24 | Day 24
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How have you experienced God’s strength in your own weakness?
  2. What darkness in your life can you surrender to God’s power?
  3. How can you encourage someone else to rely on God’s strength?
JANUARY 25 | Day 25
Read Isaiah 42:16

16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known,
along unfamiliar paths I will guide them;
I will turn the darkness into light before them
and make the rough places smooth.
These are the things I will do;
I will not forsake them.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What areas of your life do you need God to illuminate?
  2. How does this promise give you hope for the future?
  3. Who can you pray for, asking God to bring light to their path?
JANUARY 26 | Day 26
Read Romans 13:12-14

12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.[a]

Reflection Questions:
  1. What does it mean for you to “put on the armor of light”?
  2. How can living in the light transform your actions and decisions?
  3. What specific areas of your life need to align with God’s light?
JANUARY 27 | Day 27
Read Colossians 1:13-14

13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How has God’s rescue changed your life?
  2. How can you live in gratitude for being brought into His kingdom of light?
  3. Who in your life needs to hear about this rescue?
JANUARY 28 | Day 28
Read 1 John 1:5-7

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness
5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What does it mean to walk in the light in your relationships?
  2. Are there any areas where you are still walking in shadows?
  3. How does fellowship with other believers help you stay in the light?

week 5

JANUARY 29 | Day 29
Read Revelation 22:5

5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How does this promise of eternal light encourage you?
  2. How can you live with this eternal hope in mind today?
  3. What does it mean for you to trust God’s everlasting presence in your life?
JANUARY 30 | Day 30
Read Isaiah 58:10-11

10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How can you bring God’s light to someone in need today?
  2. How has God guided you in times of personal darkness?
  3. What steps can you take to ensure your life reflects God’s light to others?
JANUARY 31 | Day 31
Read Philippians 2:14-16

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[a] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.

Reflection Questions:
  1. How can you shine like stars in a dark world?
  2. What does it mean to hold firmly to the word of life?
  3. How can you be a positive light in your community today?