“For behold, darkness will cover the earth and deep darkness the peoples; but the Lord will rise upon you and His glory will appear upon you.”
—Isaiah 60:2

The darkness is growing thicker in and on the earth. In fact, it has been overtaking the world so quickly that if we realized what was happening, it would take our breath away. Satan is gaining dominion in the atmosphere of our planet. The Bible says that in the last days, He that restrains, speaking of the Holy Spirit, will no longer restrain (2 Thess. 2:6–7). What this means is that in the last days (which is today), the Holy Spirit will withdraw His influence, and as He does, evil will rise in that vacuum and become predominant.

Today’s verse says that darkness will cover the surface of the earth, even deep, thick darkness. This is what is happening now, and it’s only going to get worse. It’s going to become more intense than you can imagine, and it’s going to happen more quickly than you’d expect. But hear this: the Lord said He will shine upon you! So let’s not be afraid of what we see happening around us. The Bible says, “You are not to say, ‘It is a conspiracy!’ In regard to all that this people call a conspiracy, and you are not to fear what they fear or be in dread of it” (Isa. 8:12). You and I are to fear the Lord alone. And when we do, He will become our sanctuary.

Beloved, as the world continues to spin out of control, as chaos increases, as corruption becomes more severe, as all the things spoken of in Scripture concerning the end times come upon us, do not be afraid. Even though the darkness is getting deep and thick outside in the world, you have another destiny. God’s glory will continue to be your portion and will shine upon you even in the midst of the darkness. In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer, so be of good cheer and do not be afraid. He that “is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 John 5:4).

Father God, I know Your light shines brightest in the darkness. Help me to be a light in this dark world. My destiny is not to live in fear but to reflect Your glory. I know I am more than a conqueror because greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world. Thank You, Abba Father, for shining the light of Your love upon me and being my portion and protection. I put my hope in You.

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Rivers of Divine Truth (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2021), Used by permission.