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Reflections

Even in Darkness

By September 6, 20214 Comments

“Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” (Ps 112:4)

For years I would describe our family situation with a daughter fighting cancer as living with a dark cloud over our heads. Life went on, but our days were hard, day after day. Relentless! Yet, in the midst of the hardships, dawn constantly shone through. Moments of unexpected joy regularly interrupted the pain. These moments took surprising forms. Sometimes it was the kind act of a friend. Other times it was an encouraging email or note. I remember lots of times when something random and funny would happen which brightened a day. Many people would see these events as random, but we saw God’s hand, His provision for us in the darkness.

David, the Psalmist, wrote, “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” (Ps 112:4) The temptation is to write off this promise because we know ourselves, that we are not “upright.” But the verse goes on to clarify further, “the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.” We are all so far from perfect. God’s promises are not for the perfect but for the one who leans toward Him. The person who, in the midst of the darkness, still cares to be gracious and compassionate to those around him. The person who, even in their weakness and failure, strives to do the right thing. This verse is meant to be a comfort for those living under a cloud, not an unreachable carrot designed to accentuate our pain.

Your skies may be overcast, or so dark you can’t see right in front of you. If so, claim these words and live into them. Though we may not know how long a dark season may last or how it will end, if we keep our eyes open, we will occasionally see that ray of light break through the darkness. Know that God is a gracious and compassionate God. He may seem silent at times, but He will not abandon you. Even in darkness, God is there. These words are for you.

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