“Never Doubt In The Dark …

“Never Doubt In The Dark What God Told You In The Light.”― V. Raymond Edman

This photo sums up what I hear many of my friends are experiencing these days. I am there too in many ways. I am tempted to feel both rudderless and with out a compass. Even if I had a rudder or compass I am not quite sure where I am going in this season because I have never been here before.

It is times like these I fight the temptation to speed up. Have you ever been lost and decided to go faster to try to find a land mark or some sign of hope to direct you? Unfortunately, that is how I tend to work when I am left to my own devises.

I have learned to try and find a slower, deeper breath than the rapid shallow ones common to stress or panic.

Then, I talk to God.

Years of reading the Bible, and experiences of walking with God and with God’s people has taught me a few things. NOW is the time to slow down, breathe and listen to my heart, my experiences with God and the many promises from His word.

I try to mentally, emotionally and spiritually circle around to where I last had clear direction. It is a lot like pulling over on the side of the road and pulling out the map.

I have no intention of staying there for long. I want to be there just long enough to remember one of my life long favorite quotes:

“Never doubt in the DARK what God told you in the LIGHT.”― V. Raymond Edman

So, I go back to the basics. You may have other promises you prefer.

Who am I? 2 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Who do I belong to? John 15:16a Jesus said, “You did not choose me, but I chose you. . .”

What am I made for? What are my higher purposes? John 15:16b “. . .and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”

What is truly important? Who is truly important? Philippians 3:8b-10 “that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—…. I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.”

What have I previously experienced that relates to my current circumstances? Philippians 3:9b “the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” I look back over my life and remember the history I have built in my relationship with God. How did God meet me and bring me though in difficult or unclear circumstances in the past?

I ask God to remind me of His many promises to me, (and to each of us.) Jeremiah 29: 11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'”

And as I begin to remember all these and other promises, the light begins to break though the darkness.

I have taken my focus off of me, and the fog, and lifted it to the one who made me, and who sees right through the fog bank. Once I am reoriented, I can step out again. I do not often have a detailed map, but I have enough clarity of mind that God will take me where He wants me as I keep looking and listening to Him. We go together one day, even one step at a time.

Please take a few moments to remember:

How has God met you and brought you though difficult or unclear circumstances in the past? Give thanks for what He has done. Worship our creator as the one who is Faithful and True!*

* Name of Jesus in Revelation 3:14 & 19:11