Devotions with Pastor Bill Ritchey

In Isaiah 26, the prophet speaks of the perfect peace that is available to GOD’s people.  Isaiah tells us how GOD planned to discipline His people while still listening to their prayers.  In the first part of verse 9 he says, “My soul yearns for you [the LORD] in the night…”  I understand that yearning for light.  Darkness and night often represent sin and evil in Scripture.  We are in a period of time where both appear to be increasing exponentially.  This can become overwhelming.

When I was in the Navy I frequently stood guard on a missile launcher and its warheads.  Because of the nuclear capability of these missiles, we had to maintain a watch 24 hours a day, all year round, even at sea.  More than a few times I stood watch from 4:00 to 8:00 AM, and sometimes the darkness was deep.  On nights when the sky was overcast, we didn’t even have starlight.  I can tell you it’s scary, even when you’re carrying a loaded gun, because you are essentially blind.  Your mind can imagine things that aren’t really there.  Real sounds can be difficult to comprehend properly.  And the darkest part of those nights is just before dawn. When dawn does arrive, there is a special joy and a sense of relief.  I experienced this more than a few times. 
Spiritual darkness is increasing, and I expect this will continue until the Lord returns. Ephesians 6:12 speaks clearly to us about what is going on, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”  But please keep in mind the promise given in 2 Peter 1:19, “And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts…”  How awesome to know that joy, relief and peace that passes understanding are available for us.​
Shalom,
Pastor Bill