“I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD.”Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)
I’ve only been in total darkness once. I was deep in a cave. Friends and I agreed that we would stand alone, not touching, and turn off all the flashlights. The count began. One, two, three! Dark, total darkness.
I’ve never liked the dark. It took all of my mental resolve to be calm, despite knowing that I had a flashlight in my grasp and friends nearby.
I have also experienced a different kind of darkness: dark moments of the soul. Some have been deep, intense and fleeting, while others lingered. It is reassuring that this is not an experience unique to me alone.
Tradition attributes Psalm 27 to King David. David’s life was punctuated with dark moments of threats, betrayal, and failure, yet he seemed able to rise above. This psalm clearly states at least one strategy David employed to manage his despair — an overriding trust that God’s goodness would intersect his life. This faith brought the courage and strength David needed to face the dark moments.
I have realized my view of God shapes every area of my life — my relationships, my attitudes, and even my sleep!
Think with me for a moment — how loving is God? He sent His Son to die for us (Romans 5:8). We can declare with John, “God is light, and in Him there is not darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Darkness is shattered in God’s presence, and He is always nearby.
Father, you know all my desires, thoughts, and circumstances. Thank you that you are good, you love me, and you are all powerful. Today I give you my worries, my discouragements and disappointments. I want to trust you with each of them. I desire the light of your truth and presence to push the darkness out in every area of my life. Amen.
By Mike Woodard
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Struggles, Despair – Articles
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