Darkness

 It was after dark this evening when I finally got around to hauling the trash can down the driveway and out to the road. After dark comes early these days. The sky is overcast tonight--no moon, no stars, no flickering airplanes lights criss-crossing the sky--just darkness. The only lights are small squares in the windows of neighbors' homes, the outdoor lights installed by some folks (have to make sure the raccoons don't get lost), the flash of headlights on the car driving by out on 25 followed by the warning reds of the tail lights. The only light at The Acres is one of the front porch lights. The other, it seems, has joined me in retirement.

The only sound was the scrape of the wheels of my trash can a long the gravel driveway. All else was still--quiet. Half-way back I stopped and soaked in the darkness and the silence. The physical darkness is no threat to me of course. Even in this country darkness the eyes adjust and one can see well enough to navigate. No fear of getting lost here.

As I stood, quietly meditating, the Spirit reminded me that even the spiritual darkness that we encounter in our journey with Him has no ability to harm us. There is no darkness to Him. He will lead me by the light of the lamp of His Word. His vision of what lies ahead for me is as clear and radiant as the light of the brightest day. I will not spend one second in what appears to be deep darkness to me without my hand resting in the hand of the Light of the World, the ever Faithful One. My prayer, of course, as I have mentioned, is that in the deepest darkness, the light of His glory will shine through me lifting Him up for all to see. "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven." Such a prayer should resonate in our hearts every breath of the journey--even--especially--the last one.

And may our hearts be broken for those we love--for all men--who walk in darkness thinking they walk in the light. Proclaiming themselves to be wise, they love with darkened hearts the darkness of the world. Thinking the treasure they find is the light, they embrace the darkness that leads to eternal destruction--the eternal life of outer darkness. Only the Spirit can open the eyes of those who think they walk in light, but walk blindfolded in the devil's world of illusion--delusion. There can be no greater darkness. But the power of the Spirit working in a man or woman's heart can dispel the darkness and lead them into the kingdom of the Dear Son--the Eternal King who is the Eternal Light of the World.

In our darkest hours may our submission to the power of God that works within us radiate the beautiful Light that brings praise to Him and draws those in darkness to His brightness. May we look at those around us and plead on bent knees with the Spirit to open their eyes to the only Light of the World. And to give us opportunities to tell them of His love for them. God sent His Son into the world not to condemn men but to redeem men. May our lives and prayers be dedicated to His purpose.