GOD IS FOUND IN THE DARKNESS
A common attitude of human nature is a desire to feel in control.
When our life is running smoothly and nothing is broken, it is easy
for us to think we are in charge of our days. But an entire life
without difficulty is truly rare. The day comes when a stable,
comfortable life is slowly or suddenly shattered. Darkness enters in
the form of loneliness, illness, poverty, pain, injury, addiction.
We are brought to our knees. This darkness can be a hidden blessing
because, with broken heart and on bended knees, as people of faith
we are drawn to God. God hears our cry, and we begin to relate to
God in a new way. The blessing is not the tragedy but in our being
called and drawn to God. On our knees we become truly humbled.
Scripture speaks frequently of how important humility is in
relating to God. Humility is a willingness and openness to once
again become teachable ---to recognize we don’t have all the answers
in life. Humility is recognizing that we honestly need God’s
presence in our life --- not at arm’s length but in a real
relationship. And humility is recognizing that everything we have or
ever had is a gift out of God’s grace or God’s mercy.
The blessing of darkness can call us back to God in a new way.
Here, alone in the darkness, humbled by our human inadequacy, we
return on prayerful knees to our Creator. At this lowest of moments,
we give up, we realize fighting is useless, and we place our total
life back in God’s hands.
After we are released from all our attachments, the miracles can
begin to happen. Through this darkness a new and awesome light can
begin to shine in unexpected ways. Called to open our heart to
others, we meet new friends. Open to new ideas, we can see hope
emerge from despair. Out of our fear can emerge a new faith. A new
bright light comes into our life. We look back on our darkness and
can only in amazement exclaim a humble praise and thanks to God. We
recognize that God has accomplished abundantly far more than all we
asked or imagined (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Bless us with the faith to trust your presence and your promises
during times of darkness and distress. Amen
Lynn Schriever
