Walking in the dark?

The church that I pastor meets in a large building with a high vaulted ceiling. I am familiar with every corner and room in it, yet... walking through the building in the dark of night still makes my heart pound! The rafters creak, the wind moans around the sharp corners of the roof, shadows dance on the walls and - in the dark - my mind responds with fear. In the bright light of morning, the same set of circumstances in the identical room produces no fear whatever. Just for the record, I'm not a alone in this reaction. Many people report feeling that same kind of fear in big, dark buildings!

Are you walking in the dark today? Is the Light of life dimmed by situations that leave you feeling afraid? Perhaps this is the plan of God for you right now. Consider this. Jesus' disciples listened as He talked about going to Jerusalem to die. Peter objected and was severely rebuked, "Get behind me, Satan!" During the week prior to His death, Jesus told the disciples terrible things about the future of Jerusalem: "the Temple will be destroyed, terrible times will come when the residents of this city will run for their lives." He warned those who were closest to Him about their own failure of faith that would happen on the night of His betrayal. Again Peter objected, "Maybe those other guys, but NOT me!" Jesus told him that he would fail spectacularly, even openly denying Him- which he did! Judas deserted his brothers, joining with their enemies. Jesus was taken into custody for an illegal midnight trial of sorts. The disciples deserted Him scattering into the night in terror. That week ended with His crucifixion. John tells us that the disciples hid behind locked doors, deeply shaken and fearful. And you think you've had a bad week?

Sometimes God's people have to walk through dark times! The Passion Week is an annual reminder that God's road to to victory often leads through the valley of the shadow of death. There would not be a Resurrection morning without a Good Friday. The Psalmist reminds us, however, that (23:4 NLT) "Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid..." Why? "...for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me."

We must remember - even when we cannot see Him - He is with us. The darkness of death, disappointment, and even demonic attack descends on us. That is the common human experience! Peter urges us to stay steady, even when we're in the dark. "Don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—because these trials will make you partners with Christ in his suffering, and afterward you will have the wonderful joy of sharing his glory when it is displayed to all the world." 1 Peter 4:12-13 NLT

Are you in the dark? Sing like Paul and Silas sang at midnight! (Acts 16)And wait for the deliverance of the Lord to restore the Light to your life.