He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.  Daniel 2:22

My son once took part in a discipleship program that involved mountaineering activities.  One night was spent deep down in a cave, with this restriction:  no light of any kind was allowed.  Some found it difficult to sleep, panicking, unable to discern up, down or even the passing of time.

So too, when we face situations in which we can’t see, we can’t understand, when we can’t know, we’re filled with panic.  Perhaps you look at the world around you and fear for your children or your grandchildren; things you thought you could rely on seem to be dissolving in darkness.

Here is the illuminating truth from Scripture: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. (Isaiah 9:2). Jesus gives us that light because He is light (John 9:5). He is the “turner of darkness into light.” (Psalms 18:28)

Poet Annie Johnson Flint, (who suffered with blindness), wrote about what she had learned in the dark:

“I know not, but God knows; Oh blessed rest from fear!
All my unfolding days to him are plain and clear.
Each anxious, puzzled, ‘why?’ from doubt or dread that grows,
Finds answer in this thought; I know not, but He knows….
I see not, but God sees; Oh, all-sufficient light!
My dark and hidden way to Him is always bright.
My strained and peering eyes may close in restful ease.
And I in peace may sleep; I see not, but He sees.”[1]

 

Resource Reading:  1 John 1:5-9

[1] Flint, A. J. (2020). He Giveth More Grace, “But God”. Hayden Press.