The first minute after I wake up is the hardest. I just want to close my eyes again and go back to the land of dreams refusing to face the painful reality of what life turned out after the unexpected loss of my husband. This loss cast a dark cold shadow over me and plunged me into darkness.
I don’t know what harsh reality you are facing today. Maybe it’s the loss of a job, the illness of a loved one, the disillusionment from shattered dreams, or struggling with depression. Maybe it’s the sting of betrayal, or the uncertainty of the future weighing heavily over you. Maybe you struggle with habitual sin that causes you to live in shame and guilt.
Whatever it is, it darkens your soul and your days, stealing your joy and hope. We can’t see well in the darkness, and our perceptions are often clouded and misguided. We can stumble more easily and lose our way.
Light in My Darkness
So, when my feet touch the floor every morning since my life turned upside down, I remind myself that I am not left alone in the darkness. The Lord is my lamp and He turns my darkness into light. He is willing and able to carry me through every darkness I may experience turning it into light. My personal darkness can become a display of His light. He is the light in my darkness.
David penned these words in his song of praise when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and the hand of Saul. David knew what darkness was–he experienced prolonged years of persecution, loneliness, false accusation, and suffering. Yet, the Lord sustained him, delivered him from all his enemies, and gave him an eternal memory in the genealogy of Christ.
God’s Goodness
One of the biggest struggles, when we are in darkness, is to doubt God’s goodness and favor towards us. We struggle to process and accept our circumstances and wonder why God allows this or that to happen in our lives.
I want to encourage you today. It doesn’t matter how we feel. Our painful feelings don’t tell us the truth about God’s character. God is good and He has our utmost good in mind while dealing with us. It is difficult to reconcile suffering with the heart of the loving God but as long as we live in the flesh, suffering and struggle will be part of our earthly lives. Let’s remember what Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:3 NIV)
God’s Ways to Turn Our Darkness into Light
Jesus has overcome the world; He has overcome the darkness and He can overcome our darkness because He is the light of the world. There are many ways the Lord turns our darkness into light. One way is by reminding us of His truths and wonderful promises, nourishing and sustaining our souls day by day, hour by hour through His indwelling Spirit. He helps us change our perspective giving us wisdom and understanding. Another way is by taking care of us, meeting our needs, and providing grace and help every day by bringing people and resources to our aid.
He breathes life in our weary souls and the desire to come to Him and pour out our pain and tears. He woos us to come nearer and to trust Him. The Lord makes us strong and able to endure until this season is over. He comes even closer in the darkness revealing hidden treasures of heavenly wisdom. He collects every tear and numbers all our steps. He is near and He cares.
The Lord is the God of all comfort and the Redeemer of our losses. Let’s remember today that His heart is burning with compassion and mercy for us, longing to rebuild, restore, and redeem. Could you trust Him today with your darkness?
Prayer
Dear Lord, please be the light in my darkness. Heal my wounds and bring new life and fruitfulness. I trust Your good heart and good plan for me. You are my lamp, guiding me safely and making a way for me. Amen.
“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.” 2 Samuel 22:29 NIV
