As I read through my Scriptures for today, I could not help but think that the man crying out is lost in the midst of Covid-19!

Leaders have led us into dark places with the fear of this virus. My first thought: What are we doing to our children? Why are we allowing this fear to consume us – especially our children!

The scripture for today is found in Psalm 88:13-18:

O Lord, I cry out to you. I will keep on pleading day by day.
O Lord, why do you reject me? Why do you turn your face from me?

I have been sick and close to death since my youth. I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors. Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me. Your terrors have paralyzed me.
They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long. They have engulfed me completely.
You have taken away my companions and loved ones.
Darkness is my closest friend. (NLT)

Desperation. Rejection. Helpless. Paralyzed.

Have you felt these emotions this year? Have you felt that you are in a dark place fighting against an enemy you cannot see? Have you been removed from companions and loved ones?

Has Darkness become your closest friend?

God never intended for us to be consumed with fear – with fear that keeps us tied up and unable to move. And when we do go out, we find ourselves judging others. Will people be wearing their masks? Will they remember to social distance? These controlling thoughts make it difficult to enjoy being out and about with others.

Well, its time for one of my “go-to” verses:

John 1:5: “The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (NLT)

HOLD ON to these words. The light can never be extinguished by darkness.

Heavenly Father, o the darkness that consumes us right now. I pray for those who are pushed so far down into a pit that they no longer see light, that they will cry out for mercy and be given a way to see the tiniest spark of light up above them. Father, you have reminded us time after time about fear – why do we step back and let fear drag us back down again? Help us to stand and speak up and not be fearful of man and their man-made rules. Help us to seek you as a fine treasure. May your Name be praised once again in our Land. I ask this in Christ Jesus’ name, Amen.

May you be blessed today by the words of this song – Jesus, He is the Light of the World