WHEN LIGHT BREAKS FORTH -- Monday:
There are times when darkness shrouds the soul. They are not ideal times, but often they are necessary ones. In them we learn more fully that "the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer 10:23). There are times when life is more uncertain, when we are "under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure," even to the extent that we "despair of life" (2 Cor 1:8, NIV). It is possible for a valiant warrior like David to say, "there is but a step between me and death" (1 Sam 20:3), and to reason "I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul" (1 Sam 27:1). It is possible for a man who is "perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" to curse the day of his birth, regretting that he was every brought into this world (Job 1:1; 3:1-4). It is possible for the very people to whom the promises of God were given to sit "in great darkness," and "in the region and shadow of death" (Matt 4:16). Such circumstances are not ideal, and they surely are not to be sought. Nevertheless, they are a very real part of living in this world.
But we cannot end with such a thought. We must see that the working of God is calculated to address such situations. That is precisely what our text declares. Like the rapidly dawning morning, light breaks forth, dispelling the night and scattering darkness. It all can happen suddenly, with health springing forth "speedily," or "quickly" (NIV). Recovery is not always slow, extended over long periods of time. The worldly aphorism, "You were a long time getting where you are, and you will be a long time coming out," is not true. It is a fleshly saying, not a spiritual one. Those who murdered Jesus can change their minds and discard their old ways in a moment of time (Acts 2:37). A jailor who is ready to take his life can suddenly be encouraged to ask about salvation (Acts 16:27-31). A prisoner on a Roman vessel can suddenly be given charge of the boat (Acts 27:22-25). The vast opposing army of Sennacherib can suddenly die (2 Kgs 19:35), and an abundance of food can unexpectedly be made available in a famine (2 Kgs 7:8-16).
It is possible for a lame man to suddenly start leaping about like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb to start singing. With no apparent prelude, waters can break out in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isa 35:6). The parched ground can become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. Barren places occupied by jackals can suddenly be filled with grass and reeds (Isa 35:7). In a waste place, unoccupied by people or travelers, a great highway can be raised up upon which safety and a sure destination can be realized (Isa 35:8). Those with hard and calloused hearts can receive tender ones (Ezek 11:19). Even though lying in desolate and waste ground, the "bud of a tender herb" can quickly "spring forth."
If it seems dark all about you, think how your light can suddenly "spring forth," interrupting the reign of ignorance, and dispelling the night of discouragement! This is how the Lord works, swiftly causing blessing and recovery to take place where neither were apparent. Hold on! Hold on! Hope in God, for you will "yet praise him for the help of His countenance" (Psa 42:5). You will be spiritually healthy again, and it may happen at any moment. Your trouble can pass as "a watch in the night." Thank God for Kingdom speed!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that time and circumstance are not invincible!