“The People That Walked in Darkness” – 2 Nephi 19:2

Even when we are surrounded by darkness, we can be filled with light.

The ancient prophet Micah wrote, “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). And King David affirmed, “The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (Psalm 18:28).

Isaiah prophesied that the coming of the Messiah would provide light to a group of people who desperately needed it:

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Isaiah 9:2, 2 Nephi 19:2

There are many stories in the scriptures in which the Savior rescued people from darkness, including Lehi’s dream (1 Nephi 8:7-12), the Lamanites in prison with Nephi and Lehi (Helaman 5:28-43), the Nephites and Lamanites after the Savior’s death (3 Nephi 8:20-23, 10:9-10), and Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove (Joseph Smith—History 1:15-17).

In April 1829, the Savior said to the prophet Joseph Smith, “I am the light which shineth in darkness” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:58). (See also John 1:5.)

The following month, He reassured Joseph’s older brother Hyrum with the same words, and then added, “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:11, 13).

As I’ve thought about these examples, I’ve been struck by following insights:

1. The Spirit of the Lord can fill us with light, even when we are surrounded by darkness.
2. Light always wins over darkness. Darkness is simply the absence of light. If we can access the light, we will overcome the darkness.
3. The Savior is our source of light.

Near the beginning of the COVID pandemic, President Russell M. Nelson provided the following insight:

The increasing darkness that accompanies tribulation makes the light of Jesus Christ shine ever brighter. Just think of the good each of us can do during this time of global upheaval. Your love of and faith in the Savior may very well be the catalyst for someone to discover the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“Hear Him,” General Conference, April 2020

Today, I will remember that Jesus can fill me with light, even when I am surrounded by darkness. I will seek to receive His light and to share it with others.