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.
Keep trusting the Lord, keep focused on the fact He is the same yesterday, today and forever! HE LOVES YOU #Tworship
— Marie Wikle (@spreadingJOY) February 25, 2014
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.
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Sometimes the terror that happened to me in the darkness still overwhelms me even though I know that while I walk in the dark Jesus is with me because the ramifications and effects still affect my emotions, perceptions and reactions today. The first thing I have to do is pray…been asking for something to help me move in Jesus direction…and I have some hope but I don’t know how long I can keep failing at the things that I and others seem to think will help overcome the effects of that terror. I can’t keep being like this so something has to change…that’s what I am asking Jesus to do.
Sojourner recently posted..To Fly Away
@Sojourner
the fear and terror is overwhelming. And even though I wrote this, I still pray that when I’m facing the darkest times in my life that my eyes will also focus on the things listed above. that i’ll see it in the heart of a caring friend, a smile of a stranger or a gentle hug.
Keep praying, keep trusting….keep knowing that God lives in the Darkness.
{{HUGS}}
@spreadingJOY
Marie recently posted..Peering Into The Darkness
I think the dark things come in seasons where there’s increased opportunity for spiritual and personal growth. Like weightlifting, we build the most strength when we keep lifting while we’re still shaking.
mcProdigal recently posted..When God is Silent
Those seasons of darkness are often difficult and discouraging, as usual, you are correct in that is where our strength is increased. We need to try to focus on the end result during the hard times instead of letting the current fears consume our hearts.
thank you for adding some light to the darkness 🙂
@spreadingJOY
I’m most of the time feel like my family is using me & my husband & we’re also was trying to move out of state
But family just keeps shooting us down, like example, I was robbed last night, all of my things, gone, I felt like God wasn’t there, but it’s just been one thing after another in these last few months, my husband has been sick, I’ve been sick, too many downsides for us, I did ask GOD how much longer must we be in this season of misery, so I’m not sure of what to do anymore.
I know how discouraging it is when one thing after another, after another keeps happening and there seems to be no end, but trust me….it will end. Keep strong, keep surrounding yourself with people that are encouraging and uplifting. Keep praise music playing in the background as you clean, do laundry and such.
End your day thinking and reflecting on 2 or 3 good things that happened that day. FIND them…they are there! They are simply covered up by all the ick and darkness.
You can do this! I know you can.
{{HUGS}}
Our dark days give us the perfect opportunity to see God’s light shining into our lives. It is a gift God gives us to experience His goodness and better understand His character. Each valley allows us to have deeper intimacy with Him. After all, if we never had a problem, how would we know that God could solve it? If we never felt loneliness, how would we know His unfailing love and companionship? If we had never fallen into a pit, how would we know that God could deliver us? If we never hurt, how would we know He can comfort and heal?
Well, I have lived through enough dark seasons in my life to look back and see how God was with me all the time, and to grasp a bit of the wonderful work He has accomplished in me through them. One example would be the lonely years before, during, and after a divorce. If you haven’t experienced this, you can’t imagine the spectrum of pain and heartache that it brings. However, God used it as an opportunity to draw me so much closer to Him and to heal my heart. He has done a refining work in my life and with my character. I now have a first hand experience with His love, mercy, faithfulness, and restoration. I know better now than I did before ofhow awesome my God is because of the dark season.
In future seasons of darkness and pain, I will remember what God has brought me through and cling to hope in Him rather than to complain and whine that He must have abandoned me. I will meditate on the Scriptures that have soothed and encouraged me:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweights them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…” Romans 8:28-29a (We go through this stuff so we can become more like Him, or be “conformed to the image of His Son.”)
He will “wipe away all tears.” Isaiah 25:8
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.” Psalms 30:5
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, conmsider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fullydeveloped, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” james 1:2-4
I love Ps 30:5!
thank you sooo much for taking the time to encourage others and placing your thoughts here!! I’m honored and grateful!
Many have a hard time remembering these valuable truths when we are in the midst of the storms!
I know your words will encourage all who stop and read them!
thank YOU!!
@spreadingJOY