Walking into the Darkness

Let him who walks in darkness

and has no light

trust in the name of the Lord

and rely on his God. 

Behold, all you who kindle a fire,

who equip yourselves with burning torches!

Who walk by the light of your fire,

and by the torches that you have kindled!

This you have from my hand:

you shall lie down in anguish.—Isaiah 50:10, 11

It’s very difficult to prophesy, especially with regard to the future. Indeed, the more we try to delve into things to come the more mysterious they become and the more anxious we become. That’s why we must trust in the name of the Lord and rely solely on Him.

The word translated “rely” in this text means “to lean on," and is the same verb used in Proverbs 3:5,6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."

You ask: "How will I house, clothe, feed and otherwise provide for myself and my family going forward?” We have no light on the future and so we must rely on One who does. The alternative is to rely on our own understanding—Who walk by the light of your fire, and by the torches that (we) have kindled—an expedient that leads to greater uncertainty and “anguish” (Isaiah 50:11).

There is a better way: We must “trust in the name of the Lord” and lean solely on Him. We are known and loved by One who knows what the future holds and who will be with us as it unfolds. The darkness is not dark to Him; "The night is as bright as the day" (Psalm 139:12). 

David Roper

8.5.17