There’s dark and then there’s really, really dark.
The first time I experienced complete, total darkness was inside Marvel Cave, a huge cave not too far from our little town.
The cave is enormous (they’ve even flown an air balloon inside it!) and takes quite some time to walk through. Hundreds of stairs lead down the main cavern, and a pathway winds its way further down into smaller areas of the cave. It’s damp, gloomy, and of course—inhabited by bats. 🙂 But the spectacular formations are well worth the hour-long walk.
Once you reach the innermost “room” of the cave, the tour guide always does the same thing.
Of course, he gives you a warning, but you’re never quite prepared for it.
He hits the power and turns off every single light.
The darkness is so thick you can feel it.
You can’t see the tour guide. You can’t see the person standing next to you. You can’t see your hand in front of your face.
Eyes open or shut, it’s the same—just total darkness.
It’s a very vulnerable feeling.
You know, there are times when our walk of faith is similar—full of darkness.
There are those who say the Christian life is always full of light, and a child of God never has times of confusion.
But I beg to differ.
Aside from my personal experience with dark times and confusion, there’s Biblical evidence showing we will have times of darkness in our lives.
“Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of his servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10)
Did you catch that? Who is experiencing darkness?
The one that is fearing the Lord and living in a place of obedience. In other words, the one who is doing the right thing.Â
Take comfort in the fact that just because you are in a dark place doesn’t necessarily mean you are sinning, or out of God’s will. You may be exactly where He wants you, and still going through a hard time.
Let’s take another look at that verse, for the second part holds the key to getting through the dark.
“…let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10b)
Did you catch that? Let him trust.
It’s exactly like standing in the inky blackness of Marvel Cave, without so much as a pinprick of light piercing the darkness.
You have exactly one option:
Trust the tour guide to illuminate the cavern and lead you out.
My friend, God’s hand is on the light switch. He has the power to flood the darkness in your life with light.
When the time is right, He will deliver you.
Until then, keep trusting Him in the dark.
You may not be able to see, but He can. And He will never leave you.
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth,; and with my song will I praise him.” (Psalm 28:7)Â
Love this!! Thank you.💗
You’re very welcome! Blessings to you today! 🙂
Dear Kim,
This was just what I needed this week. Going through a rough time right now, and the song “I Can Trust Jesus”, keeps going through my mind. When I am on the verge of panic, I remind myself to Trust.
I’m sorry to hear you’re having a difficult time. Praise the Lord that He is always there for us, even in those dark times. Praying for you!
Praise the Lord. Thank you Kimberly.
You’re very welcome! 🙂
Thank you for your encouraging devotional, Kimberly. I always enjoy reading your posts on Facebook and when I take the time to visit your blog. The Lord is using you to encourage many; keep it up! I’m praying for you! 💕
Thank you for your prayers! I appreciate that so very much! 🙂
I almost cried reading this, God has been using you to speak to me! This scenario you depicted here is what I’m presently going through in fact I’m beginning to doubt God but this has given me hope! Even if I can’t see He can! Thank you Kimberly. I love you
It’s so hard in the dark, but don’t give up hope! Get into God’s Word, seek in Him prayer, and keep trusting! He WILL see you through! I’m praying for you.