Scripture reading: Isaiah 61:1–4

Gracias, Señor!1

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shined. (Isaiah 9:2)

 

Trapped in darkness! Dusty air; I languish here in deep despair.

Without a ladder, shaft or rope, I fear the worst,  I have no hope.

To help me pass the lonely hours I dream of sunny fields with flowers,

And tell myself: “Be calm, be brave . . .” And then I wake—this is my grave.

At times I dig and drill and scrape And think perhaps that I’ll escape, By human effort, working hard I gain a foot, perhaps a yard. But what a fool to think that I Could by my efforts reach the sky! “Save me, God! Is this my fate?”

I sit back down to pray . . . and wait.

And then a tap above my head. “Am I dreaming? Or am I dead?”

No, someone’s digging through to me! I hear their drilling, then I see

A light that shines into my tomb,

Erasing all despair and gloom.

My heart is filled with hope and fear To think that rescue is so near.

1 This poem was inspired by the dramatic rescue in the fall of 2010 of 33 Chilean miners who had been trapped 2,300 feet underground for 69 days. The world watched in awe as they were hoisted to the surface in a tiny capsule, one by one.

And then a voice, so clear it came, It beckons me, it calls my name!

And as I follow where it led Like someone risen from the dead,

Ascending to the light of earth I know that I have found new birth.

I want to sing, I want to shout, And tell how others got me out!

If you feel trapped in some dark place, And feel alone, cut off from grace;

Don’t give in to dark despair, Bow your head and say this prayer:

“Lord, please come into my pit  And rescue me from out of it!”

Then pause and listen for his Voice;

He is calling you . . . now make your choice!

 

I almost gave up. I was right at the edge of a breakthrough but couldn’t see it.

The devil really  had me, but Jesus came and grabbed me,

and he held me close, so I wouldn’t let go. —Kurt Carr

point to ponder • Christianity is a religion of rescue.

prayer focus • Those trapped in sin.