We all have our times of darkness. Jesus had His times of darkness too (Lk 22:53). What do we do when black becomes blacker? We may cry, fight, run amok, blame someone, or do an umpteen number of foolish things and waste our energy. Instead, we will be blessed if at that time we remember the following

1. God is in darkness (Exo 20:21; 1 Ki 8:12). We are not alone in the darkness. When life is confusing and you go blank, when you can't see a bright future, when all is bleak, you are literally transported to God's very presence. When you are in darkness, you are in the presence of God, in His dwelling place, in His house, literally living with Him. Can there be a greater blessing? So, walk through your darkness smiling, laughing, praising, and singing! God called Hagar and Mary Magdalene by name when they were weeping. Our dear Friend and Father is with us, holding our hand. Then why fear? Lean on Him and trust Him to guide you in darkness.

2. The second encouraging aspect of going through deep darkness in life is that,  God speaks in darkness (Dt 5:22). What we cannot hear in the hustle and bustle of daylight, we can clearly hear in darkness. The answers to the "Why?" will emerge gradually and clearly. Be patient. Do not accuse God. Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing (Job 1:22). In the end of Job's sufferings God told Eliphaz, “You have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has" (42:7). So, we know whatever Job spoke of God was right. So, stop crying and be tuned to hear God's still small voice to understand His ways.

3. We can walk through the darkness by God's light. God never leaves us in darkness to flounder. He shines His light when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that we may see the way in which we should go. We will not get lost. The feeling of hopelessness is only a feeling. Even in good times, Job had times of darkness but God's lamp shone upon his head and he walked through the darkness by God's light (Job 29:3). If you are upright, gracious, compassionate, and righteous, even in darkness light will dawn for you (Psa. 112:4). Is your past failure haunting you? Quit worrying and rise up. Though you sit in darkness, the Lord will be your light (Mic 7:8). See also Psalm 139:11 and John 1:5. So take courage and instead of throwing up your hands, follow your hunch.

4. In our dark period,  God will give us the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that we may know He is the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons us by name (Isa 45:3). To collect pearls, we must dive to the dark depths of the deep ocean. Similarly, certain treasures are available only in darkness. I have experienced it in my own life. My darkness was probably the best thing that ever happened to me. Let nothing dampen your spirit, not even your tears. You think the blind have no light? God says, He will make darkness light before them (Isa 42:16). Read the life of Fanny Crosby and you will know what it means! Keep doing the work God has entrusted you with. Is He calling you for a tougher job? Take it up boldly. You will find treasures there

5. If you care for the poor, your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will be like noon (Isa 58:10). When a black cloud descends on you, remember there are people living in deeper darkness, and try to lift them up. When you do that, you will find a light shining through your gloom. Jesus said the poor are always with us. So, look around for someone you can help. Remember poor orphans and widows, those sick and begging. When you do that, you don’t escape the roving, guiding, eyes of the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:9). You don't have to grope for guidance. He will supply your needs and make you healthy and strong (v11). Let it become second nature for you to listen to the cry of the poor. Never hesitate to stop and help any poor wherever you may see them. Then, no matter how deep your darkness your deliverance will come like the bright sun

6. Only darkness and no light? “Who among you who fears the Lord and obeys the word of His servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on His God"(Isa 50:10). Maybe this is what Jesus experienced in the Garden of Gethsemane. There is something very reliable in which you can put your trust - the name of the Lord! Don't think light of the name of the Lord. "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe (Prov 18:10). It is worth spending time meditating on the name of the Lord. It will help you beat the odds and survive

7. You will not be in darkness forever. Jesus said, "I have come into the world as a light so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness" (Jn 12:46). God will not test us beyond our ability. Peter was sifted like wheat. But the encouraging development was that he came out of his dark period and strengthened his brothers. And don't forget another fact, Jesus was praying for him! Most certainly Jesus is praying for us during our dark times that we may be strengthened to strengthen others

Death is certainly a black cloud that may descend on a child of God. But when the cloud passes away, he will find himself in the glorious presence of the Lord, in the land of glory, where there is no night, where the Lord alone shall be our light!

Cheer up! Your darkness is a blessing in disguise!

Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
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  lilianstanley@gmail.com

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