Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Dear Friends,
We can all recall how we were afraid of the darkness as children. The Evil One places fear in our hearts when we are in the darkness. Yet, there are times when God leads us through dark places to teach us to trust in Him. The Lord reveals His protective care and provision for us as we dwell in the shelter of the Almighty.
Experiencing dark places does not mean we are out of God’s will:
Psalm 23:4 (NIV) [all scriptural emphasis mine]
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Our loving Father promises that He will never leave nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). There is an old adage: “Never doubt in the dark, what you learned in the light.” We must never doubt God in our darkness. Our character is tested and developed not in the light, but in the dark places we walk through. Understand that we are not alone – we have the Paraclete, our Advocate, Counsellor and Helper, coming alongside us to walk with us through difficult and dark places. He is an ever-present help in times of trouble!
Isaiah 50:10 (NLT2)
If you are walking in darkness, without a ray of light, trust in the LORD and rely on your God.
We are to remain faithful to God – standing on His Word and walking by His Holy Spirit, whether we are in the light or in darkness!
Job 19:8 (ESV)
He has walled up my way, so that I cannot pass, and he has set darkness upon my paths.
As we see with Job, God orders the “steps” of the righteous, but He also orders the “stops” of the righteous! Though Job did not have a full understanding of his plight in his darkest place, God was with him – leading and guiding Him. God even built a wall to protect Job from harm, while ensuring that His servant would be kept away from the wrong paths – traveling on the Lord’s passage. The Lord illuminates our path in dark places:
Psalm 119:105 (NIV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Though we experience dark places, there is always a new dawn:
Isaiah 60:1-2 (NIV)
Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.
John 1:5 (ESV)
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The darkness is never “forever.” It has a beginning and an end. The risen Jesus Christ is our light – He is the Light of the World! He shines the light of His glory in this dark and evil world – we have nothing to fear! We live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God, not by our feelings or our circumstances. Although the world’s political, economic or social conditions continue to shift, our God and His Word never change! He is the same yesterday, today and forever!
John 5:17 (NLT2)
Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.”
The Lord is always working. Even in times of darkness – when it seems like nothing is happening, or when terrible things are happening, He is still working. So, whether we understand or not, we should remember that the Lord is always working in our circumstances and within us!
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
…we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
God blesses us in our darkest places:
Isaiah 45:3 (NLT2)
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness— secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name.
Some of the Lord’s finest works take place in darkness:
Genesis 1:2 (NIV)
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
God’s creative work can take place in darkness. The Holy Spirit moved upon the surface of the deep, hovering over the creation, imparting life and animating the universe.
The Lord knits us together in our mother’s womb. God develops life in the darkness of the womb!
Jesus was raised from the dead in the darkness of a tomb!
There is hope in our darkness – it is our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us look to Him in faith, praise and thanksgiving!
May the Lord richly bless you and your family in this beautiful season.
Pastor Paul