Darkness

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

What is it about darkness?

Have you ever been in a place where it is so dark you literally can see nothing? You could not see your hand in front of your face. All of your visual cues are gone.  It can be unsettling.

If you had no idea where walls, drop offs, crevasses and low hanging rocks were – you would have a difficult time navigating through the darkness without mishap. You may even become immobilized.

For some the darkness is not a cavern but emotional and/or spiritual depression. The experience is very similar to the physical darkness in that it seems all visual cues are gone. Focus is gone. Concentration seems impossible. Nothing seems to bring enjoyment.  The technicolor world has become gray.  Everything is experienced through the lens of sadness and feelings of hopelessness.

Some sat in darkness and the deepest gloom, prisoners suffering in iron chains…Psalm 107:10; O my God, my soul is cast down within me… Psalm 42:6; Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Psalm 42:5; Remember my affliction and roaming, The wormwood and the gall.  My soul still remembers And sinks within me. Lamentations 3:19-20

If you find yourself in a dark place today I want to offer some encouragement.  I know the way into depression is typically a slow, gradual decline and the way out of depression is a slow, gradual incline, so please do not mistake my intentions. I am not implying that with this brief Victory Call you will be or should be “fixed.” I am in no way trying to simplify this painful and difficult time of suffering in your life.

With that disclaimer let me say, there is hope for a brighter future.  “There is not a single darkness in your life that God cannot bring His light upon.”(Beth Moore) Our hope, no matter where we are today, our hope is Jesus.

I have come as a light into the world… John 12:46; “I am the light of the world…” John 8:12; In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart, All you who hope in the LORD. Psalm 31:24; Let Your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You. Psalm 33:22; Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God. Psalm 42:11; For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. Psalm 18:28; He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, And broke their chains in pieces. Psalm 107:14; For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6; Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

My purpose in sharing these verses is NOT to say – just get over it.  It’s to say: THERE IS HOPE.  There is light for your darkness. His name is JESUS.

Blessings,
Diane

After serving 16 years full time on the staff of America’s Keswick, Diane and her husband moved to North Carolina where she continues to serve part time as a contributing writer and Partner Care Consultant.  She is also a Biblical counselor and women’s event speaker. For more information about having Diane speak at your next event please contact her at dhunt@americaskeswick.org.