What’s your guiding light?

Rev. Joel Gaertner January 13, 2020

 “I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42:6-7)

How well are you doing at keeping your 2020 New Year’s resolutions?  How’s your plan to make better choices and do things differently in 2020?

Have you noticed what most human change relies on?  Humans.  How are most humans at keeping resolutions and making lasting change on their own?

The Bible verses from Isaiah show God reaching out to people who feel lost, frustrated and disillusioned.  Maybe we’ve been there.  We likely know someone who is there.  A person who feels as if they have no direction in life, like they are going in circles or seem to have no clear purpose.

Notice what Isaiah tells us can be the root of such a problem – “those who sit in darkness.”  Those who sit confused in the darkness of sin and can easily be blinded from seeing God’s grace and power. 

There is only one light which can penetrate such deep, heavy darkness, the saving light of Jesus revealed in the Bible.  That light dispels the darkness of sin showing each of us has meaning and purpose and most of all guides those who live in that light.

If you find yourself or someone you know struggling in the darkness and hopeless of sin, shine the light which Jesus gives.  Share his Word. Walk with them and give them Godly encouragement.  Lift them up in prayer so that God would remove their darkness and let them see and feel his warming light through the Gospel.

None of this is denying there are sadly many in our world that live in darkness as they deal with mental health issues.  Let’s never minimize their struggle or challenges.  Yet, even they can find reassurance and strength in the light of God’s grace and love.

Sadly, this struggle for all of us will continue as long as we live in this world.  The darkness of sin will only be completely removed in heaven.  What a blessing to know that until we reach that we have a guiding light which never dims and never fails!

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, in the darkness of this world influenced by sin I am thankful that you are my guiding light! When I feel lost or burdened, shine your light in my life through your powerful Gospel.  Use me as your light-bearer to help shine that light into my world and lives of those around me.  Be our guiding light and bring us one day to your perfect light in heaven where we will no longer struggle or wander.  We ask this trusting in your grace, O Savior.  Amen.