Late one afternoon, my wife was reading her Bible. “Russ,” she said, “I want to read you this scripture.”
As she read it, I half-listened–not really paying attention. “Wait, go back and read that again,” I prodded. Something caught my attention.
“Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of his servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God” (Isaiah 50:10).
As she read, each word pierced my heart. I knew what it was like to walk in darkness, as do many of you. How many times do you feel lost, alone, empty, directionless because of the darkness of fear that surrounds you? You feel like your candle is smoldering down to nothing, and there is no hope.
Here’s how I heard the words of that scripture in my heart: “Are you walking around all alone, empty, reaching around in the darkness of your fear? Reach out for God and trust him. Rely on your God.”
Then, as I was drifting off into the new found revelation of this scripture, my wife interrupted me, “Russ, listen to this next verse.”
“But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand: You will lie down in torment” (v 11).
Wow! “Lie down in torment.” I knew that torment, as well. How many times have I lit my own torch in the darkness of fear and panic? How many times have I tried to walk in the light of my own efforts and strength?
I encourage you to lay down the torches you have made for yourself. Lay down your efforts, and trust God. Let his Light illuminate your way. His Light is more revealing, more healing, more peaceful than any light we could ever create.
Prayer: Father, reveal to me the difference between the torches I have lit on my own and the Light you provide. Lead me from the darkness of dread and doubt as I trust in you, that I may no longer suffer the torment of my own futile efforts.
