Out of Darkness - Cindy Jones

“Father, eliminate the dark places of my life and make the rough places smooth.” Isaiah 42:16

Fear has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. It wasn’t what I desired when I began my journey into occult practices. I was looking for power; power over my circumstances, over those who had perverted my sense of security, and power to never be hurt again. My concept of peace became a twisted truth and fear. This fruit of darkness, began to dominate my life.

By all appearances, I seemed normal. No one would have guessed the turmoil I’d suffered to get past the ingrained fears—fear of people, public places, superstitious non-sense that I’d been taught, plagued me. During a 1979 youth camp, I made my “profession of faith” hoping it would ease the panic attacks. The fear increased and destructive emotions developed. I became defensive and judgmental. What was meant to be an escape from a bad start in life, turned into captivity that was more overbearing than I imagined. Darkness blinded me and freedom eluded me.

Once I believed that I could outwit the very thing I feared the most, death—an enemy lie I’d aligned myself with. The church I attended never had answers for a real demonic foe, to ask about it would was social suicide. This was modern times and devils were myths, fear of them unfounded, yet that knowledge did nothing to calm my suffering.

Then I snapped. “I’ll just end it. Kill myself.” I made careful plans. What I wanted to escape from, seemed my only means of escape. Then I came face to face with Jesus. The gentleness in His words, the comfort of his Spirit, swayed me toward His hope. I truly made him my Lord.

God does that--shows us hope, when we’ve come to the end of ourselves. He changes our thinking and truth prevails. After all, He is the “truth.”

The world is full of lies and we’re easy prey but the scales drop from our eyes when we see with clarity, the truth and the authenticity of Christ.

When you feel as though darkness has you in its grip. Look to the Light. Give Him lordship. He will rescue you.



Cindy Jones has been married to her knight in shinning armor, Bryan, for twenty years. They live in the hub of Mississippi with their children, Daniel, Nathan, and Amber. A writer all her life, she has contributed as a lifestyles reporter to area newspapers for over 10 years. As a creative writing teacher, she has learned the value of encouraging others through the written word. “Whether one is writing or reading, words can be a healing balm to a broken heart.” Read Cindy's devotions.