The Lord is My Light is a Christian worship song that proclaims God’s guidance, salvation, and strength, inspired by Psalm 27:1. Through its uplifting lyrics, the hymn reassures believers that faith in God’s light overcomes fear, His salvation brings hope, and His power sustains in every trial.
VERSE 1
The Lord is my light; then why should I fear?
By day and by night His presence is near;
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin;
This blessed persuasion the Spirit brings in.
CHORUS
The Lord is my light, my joy and my song;
By day and by night He leads me along.
The Lord is my light, my joy and my song;
By day and by night He leads me along.
VERSE 2
The Lord is my light; tho’ clouds may arise,
Faith stronger than sight, looks up to the skies
Where Jesus forever in glory doth reign;
Then how can I ever in darkness remain?
VERSE 3
The Lord is my light, the Lord is my strength,
I know in His might I’ll conquer at length;
My weakness in mercy he covers with power,
And, walking by faith, he upholds me each hour.
VERSE 4
The Lord is my light, my all and in all;
There is in His sight no darkness at all;
He is my Redeemer, my Savior and King;
With saints and with angels His praises I sing.
Story Behind the Song
James L. Nicholson, an Irish immigrant who settled in Philadelphia in the mid-19th century, penned the hymn The Lord Is My Light. Working as a postal clerk, Nicholson was an active member of the Wharton Street Methodist Episcopal Church, where he contributed to the congregation’s musical and evangelical activities.
His inspiration for this hymn drew heavily from Psalm 27, which begins with the declaration, “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” [1]
The hymn gained prominence within various Christian denominations, notably being included in the 1985 Hymns of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as hymn number 89. Its enduring popularity is attributed to its profound message of faith and reliance on divine guidance. [2]
Over the years, The Lord Is My Light has been set to various musical arrangements, allowing it to resonate with diverse congregations and musical traditions.
Its timeless message continues to inspire and uplift believers, reinforcing the comforting assurance found in the scriptures.
Trust in God’s Guidance
The Lord is My Light is a declaration of trust in God’s guidance, salvation, and strength. It reflects biblical truths that encourage believers to rely on Him in all circumstances.
The Lord is my light affirms God as the source of direction and protection, echoing Psalm 27:1. Light represents God’s truth and presence, leading His people away from darkness (John 8:12).
By day and by night His presence is near speaks of God’s constant guidance, aligning with Psalm 121:8, which assures that the Lord watches over His people at all times. Trusting in His light removes fear and uncertainty, as His truth shines in every situation.
He is my salvation from sorrow and sin acknowledges that God rescues not only from eternal condemnation but also sustains believers through life’s trials. Isaiah 12:2 declares that God is salvation, giving strength to those who trust in Him.
While sorrow remains in this world (John 16:33), the hope of salvation brings peace and assurance. This truth is reinforced by the Spirit, who testifies to believers that they are children of God (Romans 8:16).
Faith stronger than sight expresses reliance on God beyond what is physically seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 teaches that believers walk by faith, trusting in His promises rather than circumstances.
Even when clouds may arise, faith looks beyond present struggles to Jesus, who reigns forever in glory. Hebrews 11:1 describes faith as confidence in things unseen, emphasizing trust in God’s eternal plan.
My weakness in mercy He covers with power reveals God’s grace in sustaining His people. 2 Corinthians 12:9 teaches that His power is made perfect in weakness. Human frailty is not a hindrance but a means for God’s strength to be displayed. Walking by faith means depending on Him daily, knowing that He upholds and empowers His people.
The message of this song aligns with Scripture, pointing to God’s light, salvation, faithfulness, and strength. It calls believers to trust in Him completely, knowing that His presence dispels fear, His salvation gives hope, and His power sustains in weakness.
True worship is found in this confidence, lifting voices in praise with saints and angels, declaring Him as Redeemer, Savior, and King. Those who trust in His light will never remain in darkness.
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
More Free Downloads
- The king of love of my Shepherd (Hymn)
- The Lord is My Light (Hymn)
- O Savior Precious Savior (Hymn)
- More Love to Thee (Hymn)
- Jesus the Very Thought of Thee (Hymn)
Related themes you might want to include The Lord is my Light in your list of songs for worship that centered around God The Father, Glory of God, Grace of God, Love of God, Power of God
The Lord is my Light lyrics and music by James L. Nicholson, (1985) Public Domain
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