Give Light to My Eyes, or I Will Sleep in Death

Training for Today: Rest

Devotion: Give Light to My Eyes, or I Will Sleep in Death

Last week, we asked God for some answers as we said, “Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.” We wrestled with the idea that we, as sinful human beings, won’t ever be able to fully comprehend God’s plan. We witnessed David’s experience with child loss and his response to God’s will. This week, we continue our searching behavior, imitating the plea of Psalm 13: “Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.”


When was the last time your eyes were craving some light? Have you been in a power outage lately? Were you searching for something without the light on? Did a light burn out at the most inopportune time? Whatever the situation, I think we can all relate to the frustrations of being left in the dark. When crisis strikes, we too can feel left in the dark with respect to God’s will. And so we think things like, Show me what this means for my life, Lord. Reveal the lesson I’m to learn from this experience.

Our title this week pushes the idea of searching for light a bit farther than frustration, though, doesn’t it? It sounds desperate, impatient. Have you reached this emotional point while waiting for God to reveal His will and purpose? If you have, you may be tempted to run (and not in the sense of training to benefit a good cause)! You may be tempted to run to your own devices, your own human-generated means of control. While it may feel productive in the moment, you’ll only find yourself even farther from the light than before.

Cling to the One who offers us the light of life! Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Be patient in His leading. Be open to His direction. Be still in His promises:

1 "Arise, shine, for your light has come,
and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.

2 See, darkness covers the earth
and thick darkness is over the peoples,
but the LORD rises upon you
and his glory appears over you.

3 Nations will come to your light,
and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the arm.

5 Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.

19 The sun will no more be your light by day,
nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you,
for the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your God will be your glory.

20 Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the LORD will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.

21 Then will all your people be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
They are the shoot I have planted,
the work of my hands,
for the display of my splendor.

22 The least of you will become a thousand,
the smallest a mighty nation.
I am the LORD;
in its time I will do this swiftly” (Isaiah 60:1-5, 19-22).

What an amazing picture! God will bring His earthly purposes for you to light in due time. Though you may feel like you're in the dark, nothing compares to the darkness of sin. While you are waiting for some earthly light, revel in His eternal purpose for you. Because of your Savior, Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven and you will see the light of heaven!

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, today I pray for your forgiveness and mercy. How I long for the light of heaven! Teach me patience and renew my faith in you. In the name of your Son, Jesus, I pray. Amen.