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.” [Isaiah 42:16 NIV]
At this time of year my early morning walk takes place in darkness. The earth is silent — no bird-calls, no gusts of wind — only the occasional dog barking, the rhythmic sound of my feet treading the pavement, and the distant whir of traffic on the major roads. Everything waits for the sun.
I cannot see the path in front of me, except that it is a shade lighter than the grassy fields which border it. I can see the white of my runners gleam in the moonlight as I stretch each step forward, but everything else is shrouded in darkness. Trees stand in silhouette against the starry sky. The occasional street-light in the distance casts eerie shadows in all directions.
But, I walk the path, confident I will not stumble or fall. I am fairly sure the path will lead me where I need to go, and soon the sun will be up.
It reminds me of life. We cannot always see where we are going, and even if we have a general idea, it can still be shrouded in the unknown — a bit of a mystery. But, we have God’s promise. He is the light to our path (see Ps 119:130). He makes our paths straight (see Prov 3:6). Darkness is as light to Him (see Ps 139:12). Even if we cannot see a single thing ahead, He can see us and our journey in bold spotlight. I don’t know about you, but that gives me a whole lot of confidence!
And so, I turn my footsteps toward home, and suddenly out of the darkness, the air bursts into life with birdsong. I turn toward the east. Ah, yes. The inky black of night is being replaced by a grey-blue smudge on the horizon. The sun is coming.
Your devotion today sounds very much like the thoughts which bless us on Easter Sunday morning. 🙂
The sun is coming. The Son is coming!!
Blessings
xx
True, eh! I didn’t even think of it in regards to Easter, but you’re right. Thanks. 🙂