Peering Into The Darkness

Darkness is scary.  The unknown is scary.  Stepping into the darkness, not knowing what to expect, not being able to see is, at best, difficult.

While being surrounded by darkness we are often paralyzed in fear and are rendered powerless to move with confidence.  But, remember, as long as we are moving forward, we are making progress.

We all have seasons of darkness, fears, trials and issues that we feel will overpower us and shatter our world.

Let’s take a closer look into the darkness that can be more intimidating that we can imagine.

What do we see in the darkness?

• Nothing and in abundance
• Fear
• Intimidation
• Hopelessness
• Despair
• Loneliness
• Danger
• Enhanced Pain (pain is always worse at night isn’t it?)
• Discouragement
• Shame
• Guilt

There are many more things that we see in the darkness and those things often shield our eyes to the positive things that are also in the darkness.

It’s so much easier to see the negative, to dwell there and to let the discouragement of it take over our hearts.    But peering into the darkness doesn’t have to leave us paralyzed in fear, or feeling hopeless.

Have you considered anything positive lurking in the darkness?

May I remind you that GOD is right there with us in the darkness?  HE Lives in the darkness with us and if we focus on His light during the darkest day, we’ll make it through stronger, wiser and more faithful than we can ever imagine.

I know just how frightful and discouraging dark trials are.  I know firsthand financial troubles, health issues with children and how the sting of unemployment affects families.  I know the loneliness and fear that can consume your heart during those times of complete darkness.  I know how tightly discouragement holds on to you, rendering you powerless to even lift your head sometimes.   I know the pain and grief of families being torn apart and loved ones dying, never to hear their sweet voices or see their precious smile again.  I know how guilt and shame leaving you feeling like you have no right to blessings.  I know how the pain of any situation is enhanced in the darkness.

But….

I also KNOW the ONE who is right beside me as I’m peering into the darkness!  As I’m traveling through the darkness, HE doesn’t mind living there to protect me, to strengthen me and to guide me.

Our darkest days are no surprise to HIM.  Our tears of pain, aches of discouragement and feelings of failure are no surprise to Him.  Our anger and questions screamed at the top of our hearts because we simply don’t understand does not cause Him to worry or wonder what will happen.

Our darkness is another way for our Lord and Savior to remind us that HE LIVES! HE LIVES in our darkness along side of us!

The next time you find yourself peering into the darkness, and make no mistake…you will, remember that God lives there too.

When you peer into the darkness KNOWING God is with you, you’ll see:

• Peace that surpasses all understanding
• JOY unspeakable
• Light that brightens up the darkest of nights
• Hope, never ending
• Mercy, renewed each day
• Grace, marvelous grace
• Courage, because your Father has you
• Comfort, knowing you are not alone
• Faith, because HE will never leave you

There are many other positive things that are waiting for us in the darkness.

Would you share your thoughts of what you are going to look for the next time your world is engulfed in complete darkness?

Will you share the Bible verses that help you to see a flicker of light and hope when there seems to be no end to the trial?

Will you encourage the hundreds of others who will read this with the wisdom and faith that you’ve gained while peering into the darkness?

I hope that you will do so in the comment section below.

I also hope that as you are wandering around in the darkness that you’ll start to see the powerful things that live there too.