Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul. Psalm 66:16 ESV
“It’s hard to be an atheist,” our friend reflected aloud. She spoke from experience, as for many years her worldview precluded that which could not be perceived through natural senses. Over time, however, she opened herself to the possibility that God existed, and ultimately to God himself. Without Him, she told us, “There isn’t an almighty power to hold you in whatever situation, and there tends to be more bitterness and resentment. There’s the feeling of ‘I am going through this struggle by myself.’ It’s hard.” Reflecting further she added, “Atheism didn’t help me become the better person that I wanted to become. On my own, I wouldn’t have become as caring or kind to people.” But life with God? “I’m more grateful for everything. I’ve found more peace and joy, and it is easier to make more generous assumptions about other people and to care more about them.”
Oh, the wonders God works in our soul! He is real, deliberate, and relational, and He pursues us in love. Many years before Jesus’ birth, God foretold of the servant-Messiah who would come in great power, authority, and righteousness: “I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.”1 Yet His power would be so great that He could live among us and draw us to Himself in perfect patience and gentleness. “He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break . . . He will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on the earth. In his teaching the islands will put their hope.”2 This servant-Messiah’s mission would be one of compassion and care, of healing and wholeness, and of life and love. Of Him God said, “I will . . . make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.”3
Indeed He does. For the servant-Messiah has come, and He comes to us still today—opening our eyes to Himself, freeing us from futility, and delivering us from oppression. If He has brought light into your darkness, you, too, have a story to tell. And if oppression rises up against you today, you have this truth to hold: ”The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” 4
Father, life here can be so difficult, but You are light. Open our eyes today; set us free today; shine Your truth into our soul today. We need You and we trust You; You are good. In Christ we pray, Amen.
1 Isaiah 42:1
2 Isaiah 42:2-4
3 Isaiah 42:6-7
4 John 1:5
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Paul Nordman—Author 