The Difference in the Darkness

Driving home one Saturday after several hours of r-and-r in a town 90 minutes from where I live and work , dusk caught me earlier in my journey than I expected. Dusk gradually conceded to night fall and with its yielding, the darkness deepened as I drove along.  Usually, I do not like driving at night primarily because the astigmatism that has been part of my life for too long, creates a halo effect of lights from the vehicles going in the direction from which I am moving away.  This time around, I was relaxed as I drove in the gathering darkness and I thought of a reason for my calm -  I was on a familiar highway that I could drive without much concentration, even in the dark. That awareness led to thoughts of what else makes the difference in the darkness wherever and whenever darkness falls: when I have a companion that I trust; when I have been “here” before and I remember what God did for me and in me; when the darkness is different but I remember that God is the same. God makes the difference in the darkness.

"Who among you fears the LORD and obeys the word of His servant? Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God" (Isaiah 50:10, NIV)

Rejoice not against me, O my enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me” (Micah 7:8; KJV).

 

Night Seasons

Night- "the quality or state of being dark; a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night."

Season - "a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature."

Night seasons … we all have them.Those times when nothing is as we would have them be. They can take many forms: sickness, relationship problems, betrayal, the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, to name a few. Regardless of the shape in which they present themselves, all night seasons have several things in common: darkness, disorientation, uncertainty, pain, confusion, and a longing for the dawn. There can also be a sense of isolation, the sense that no one else really understands. Not true. Others have inhabited these seasons. Listen to the Biblical character Job. You may find your own thoughts and emotions echoing in his words.

What did I do to deserve this?

Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help?

Haven't I wept for those who live a hard life,

been heartsick over the lot of the poor?

But where did it get me?

I expected good but evil showed up.

I looked for the light but darkness fell.

My stomach's in a constant churning, never settles down.

Each day confronts me with more suffering.

I walk under a black cloud. The sun is gone...

(Chapter 30, verses 24-31, The Message)

Although they last longer than we desire, night seasons are just that, seasons, and they will end. May your strength and courage be renewed today, and may the reminder that "this too will pass," encourage rather than irritate.