When the dark gets bigger
Sometimes, due to a hectic schedule, I’m feeding the farm animals in the dark. My only light might be the moon or a tiny flashlight. But, in the dark of the night, a flashlight or a half moon can provide just enough light for me to complete the job, relatively unscathed.
But, there are times of deeper darkness–when trials come and create a bigger dark, when hope appears distant, and despair seems constant. This is a darkness that threatens to engulf us, pulling us down into the pit of depression and hopelessness.
Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. Isaiah 8:22
What do we do when the darkness gets bigger?
Sometimes, life gives us a really hard knock. We stumble under the load of despair and darkness encroaches to eliminate the joy of light and life.
Where is our hope when the darkness of despair encroaches?
We have the message of scripture to assure us of the gift of Light and Love:
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:5-7.
We have the promise of the prophets that Light dispels the darkness:
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan–The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. Isaiah 9:1-2
We have the assurance of New Testament authors, those who knew Jesus personally, that He is our Light:
He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:2-5
In the deep blackness of a cavern, a tiny candle sheds light into the darkness. How much more the gift of our Lord, brings Light to the world, hope to the nations, and Love which fills the darkness with Light.
Will you pray with me?
Father, thank you for sending us the Light–your Son, our Savior. He, in whom there is no darkness at all, gives us faith to dispel our fears, grants us hope when all seems lost, and loves us even when we feel most unlovable. We pray, Lord, that You will be with all who are in darkness, that you will rescue them from fear, hopelessness, and despair and bring them the peace that passes understanding, the peace that only You can provide. In the blessed name of Jesus, Amen
What a beautiful post of light, of truth, Katherine.
Thank you, Katy. Sometimes, the reality of life is painful, but we always know that God’s truth is the ultimate Truth. His light and love are there to carry us through.
Amen. Even in the darkest times, God’s light is waiting inside of His children to be called forth. Am coming alongside you in prayer this morning Ms. Katherine. I’ve learned that in my life, even when things seem dark and foreboding, I know how my story will end. I don’t know the day or hour; or even if my body will be alive when that day arrives. Yet I know, that day will come; and all will be made right for His glory. God’s blessings my friend.
Thank you, my friend. Today has been a better day. Thank you for your prayers this morning. They were answered! Hope all is well on the ranch and that the incoming cold is not too difficult for your cattle so early in the season.
Praying this beautiful prayer with you, Katherine. I inserted the names of a few folks currently suffering from grief and others who need a personal relationship with Jesus.
Such beautiful wordplay and hope in this post.
Blessings!
Thank you, Beckie, for your prayers for those in need and for your encouragement. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry. You are such an inspiration!
Beautiful truths to rest and hold on to. Messages of truth and kept promises. Thank you.
When you mention “beautiful truths to rest and hold on to,” I felt the comfort of God’s embrace. Thank you for your message of hope.
Your post beautifully illustrates the hope that we can, and must, cling to. Thanks for sharing!
Your response adds such an important aspect to my original message. It is our choice to reach out and hold onto God’s security and protection. Thank you for reminding us to “cling to” God in love and trust.
Your words are a lovely reminder of His faithfulness even in the worst of circumstances. Thank you for these beautiful words of hope, Katherine.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Thank you, Tammy, for your words of encouragement. We know that God is faithful, but when He sends His messengers, the fellowship of believers, to bring us hope to persevere, that is a special blessing. Thank you for sharing a blessing today.