Walk Free

Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. - Isaiah 50:10b

I was blessed to be able to attend two amazing services yesterday. I witnessed a funeral service for a dear woman who will be terribly missed by her family. And shortly after, I visited a going away service for a man entering the army.

One was a celebration of the end of a person's life, while the other was a celebration of the beginning of great things - yet both held striking similarities.

Tributes were given for both. Family and friends got up and shared stories and expressed deep emotion. Both ceremonies generated a lot of tears. There was something so sacred about being there, sharing the love, sorrow, joy and pain of two families who would be forever changed. My heart ached remembering some of my own pain.

Food and fellowship followed, and I thought about how dark the unknown can appear. Death leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Being commissioned out onto the battlefield does too. Darkness can threaten to strangle even the strongest of hearts.

But where our understanding ends, God's begins. The name of Jesus Christ was proclaimed twice yesterday, bringing hope to hearts that were broken into a million pieces.

He really can be trusted, even in our darkest hour.

Whatever that next step might be for you today ... I charge you with this thought. Walk free. Taking that next step might be difficult, but you can rest knowing that you will never tread alone.

Jesus lives.