This post was last updated on June 16, 2026

Day 68 (Year 2)

Out of Darkness and Free from Bondage  

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces.” (Psalm 107:14 NKJV)

“Saying to those who are bound, ‘Go forth,’ To those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ Along the roads they will feed, And their pasture will be on all bare heights.” (Isaiah 49:9 NASB)

Today’s first scripture indicates that those in darkness and the shadow of death were to receive God’s deliverance. The second one describes what happens when God delivers His people. Those in bondage are to move forward, and those in darkness are to step toward the light, and then both of them seek His provision. When the lamps within believers are lit, we begin to loathe the darkness and shadow of death in which we had abided and long to be free. Thus, those who have left the darkness are on the road with no return. Being in a difficult situation yet longing to be free inevitably produces tension. But we can transform it into a kind of divine motivation to seek God’s illumination and to pray for our deliverance before Him.

We who desire to leave darkness must pray to God and cooperate with His work. The second scripture shows that those in darkness or bondage can still hear God’s voice—and this is the key to deliverance. So, we need to cultivate a quiet heart, capable of hearing God’s voice even amid confusion, noise, pain, darkness, or in bondage, and neglect all negative voices, whether from ourselves or our environments. Besides, some who desperately long for deliverance may even create a voice that sounds like God’s, but it will lead them to fall into an illusion. Thus, we must not idolize our desires, but rely on God to discern and stay far from all deceptions. Only then will it be easier for us to listen to His voice.

We who can recognize God’s voice and receive His proclamation of deliverance need to fully obey Him, so that we can substantially break away from any bondage and darkness. For those who have been in darkness or bondage for a long time, responding to God’s voice with action—coming out of bondage or stepping forward into the light—requires perseverance in overcoming obstacles with courage in submission to Him. Prolonged captivity might bring about physical and mental deterioration. But those who have left darkness, as promised in the second verse, can trust in God’s ongoing guidance and provision. After we set foot on His path, we will surely grow stronger as we go. In the “bare heights” where light is clear, we can see far ahead, have hope for the future, and receive heavenly nourishment from God.

Reflection questions:  

1) Do you long to be free from darkness or bondage, and does that drive you to pray more for God’s deliverance to come upon you?  

2) Can you discern God’s voice—including staying free from idolizing your desires or being misled by any negative voices—and act in obedience to Him?