Don't Be Afraid of the Dark

Many children go through a stage of being afraid of the dark. Before about two years of age, their imagination is not developed enough to envision what scary things might be waiting for them. But two- to four-year-olds are able to recreate in their minds the things they have been exposed to in real life. Even if these things were only imaginary, such as those created in storybooks or TV or older children's tales, small children do not always know the difference between pretend and real. The imagined dangers grow even scarier in the dark. Without the ability to understand their alarm and reason it away, little people sometimes have very big fears.

Usually, by the time we are adults, we have been able to put aside imagined perils in the dark and have learned only the prudent cautions that wisdom dictates. But there is one area of life that we may continue to be overwhelmed by the darkness: when we cannot see our way spiritually. There are some famous examples:

* Job in the Bible, suffering intensely both physically and emotionally, desperately pleaded with God for deliverance. His misery was intensified by what seemed to be God's disregard for his plight.

* Saint John of the Cross, a Carmelite priest in the 16th century, was imprisoned by the brothers of his Order who opposed his reforms. He wrote extensively about "the dark night of the soul."

* Mother Teresa experienced an extended period of spiritual night from 1948 until shortly before her death in 1997, but never wavered in her determination to save the thrown-away children of Calcutta even when she experienced no rapturous spiritual rewards.

* Many Christians, even those who are strongly devoted to God and have a consistent prayer life, go through periods of "dryness" and difficulty for a time. They may feel their faith has collapsed or even that God has abandoned them.

If you experience a spiritual night, remember that, like the fearful child, what you imagine is scarier than the reality. God has not forsaken you! Yes, it is dark, but that simply means He is very near. "How precious is your unfailing love, O God! All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings." "He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." (Psalm 36:7; 91:4)

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me. (Matthew 23:37)

"Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by." (Psalm 57:1)

Francis Thompson, English poet who wrote "Hound of Heaven," asks, "Is my gloom, after all, shade of His hand, outstretched caressingly?" Is this darkness, after all, the covering of His wings, holding me with unfailing love?

We cannot expect to see much when we're under His wings! It is dark under there. And completely safe.

MaryMartha

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. United States of America. All rights reserved.