Making the Darkness into Light

Charles Price Jones, Sr. had his share of difficulties. His mother, who was an important spiritual influence, died when he was just 17 years old. He suffered a significant illness when he was 21. Yet he went on to pastor several churches, helped found what became the Church of Christ (Holiness) U.S.A., and wrote more than 1,000 hymns.

Jones, who was born on this day in 1865 in northwestern Georgia, learned that he could depend on God, even in situations that seemed hopeless. In 1916, he wrote a hymn that described how God had guided him and turned defeat into victory.

Based on God’s promises in Isaiah 42, he wrote, “I will make the darkness light before thee, what is wrong I’ll make it right before thee, all thy battles I will fight before thee, and the high place I’ll bring down.”

He knew that wherever we walk, God will lead us: “On the fatness of the land I’ll feed thee, and a mansion in the sky I’ll deed thee, and the high place I’ll bring down.” Even when we go through times that may seem dark, Jones knew that God was there: “I will make the darkness light before thee, I will make the crooked straight before thee, I will spread My wings protecting o’er thee, and the high place I’ll bring down.”

Today, no matter what you’re going through, remember that God is with you. His promises are true. He promises to guide you and even “make darkness into light” and “rugged places into plains” before you. Commit your way to Him, confident that He will direct your path.