If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.

Isaiah 58:10 & 11

The question I asked myself after reading this passage was: how am I “spending” myself? Other versions say “draw out your soul”, “pour yourself out”, or “give yourself”.

One commentary explains it this way: “The Septuagint express both words, τον αρτον εκ της ψυχης σου, “thy bread from thy soul.” To draw out the soul in relieving the poor, is to do it, not of constraint or necessity, but cheerfully, and is both nervous and elegant. His soul pities and his hand gives.” Isn’t that poetic?

The bread of your soul…How am I spending the bread of my soul? Do I satisfy the needs of the hungry and oppressed? Do I satisfy the needs of anyone?! Because I certainly want my light shining in the darkness. I want the Lord to guide me always, satisfy my needs and give me strength! It is such a challenge to say IF you are giving of yourself and if you are giving CHEERFULLY, God will BLESS you! And also how simple. Anyone can do this. Anyone can give with a cheerful heart.

Just something to think about on this sunny January day. How are you spending yourself, and are you doing it cheerfully?