Image from a photo by Eradio Valverde of Corpus Christi Bay
Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos', Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos'.
From Isaiah 9:1 But there will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. 2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.
We first heard it from our oldest, who was in the junior choir. The melody was awesome and the words made us smile. "What are you singing?" Then she sang the English part, "We are walking in the light of God, we are walking in the light of God." What a song, and what a promise to those in darkness!
Isaiah sings this passage I believe, for it is a song of great joy: Forget about the anguishes of yesterday and the contempt you felt towards others or you felt from others; today is a new day and guess what, God is making a new path. And here's the kicker; "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness -- on them light has shined." Woah! Thank You, God!
Our lives sometimes take us through paths of gloom and sadness but deep down inside, our relationship and trust in God brings us the light we need to guide us and see us through whatever the challenge we may be facing. God's love for us never ends and God seeks to be among us to bless and guide us to be a blessing to others. All the past stays in the past, the present is bright with promise, and tomorrow is yet unwritten, but what a pen God provides to us for us to write big the joy that is ours through God!
PRAYER: Loving God, provide light for those still in darkness. For those in relationship with You but passing through some dark spots or gloomy ones, bring forth the light. And as we write the songs of today, remind us of the deep well of Your ink from which we can draw as we draw, paint, or write songs! This we ask in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
