God in the Darkness - Solace from the Psalms - Martin Wiles

For thousands of years, people have found comfort in the Psalms. No matter what emotion you are experiencing or fight you're facing, the psalms have something important to say. For the next little while, Love Lines from God will feature, "Solace from the Psalms." We hope you enjoy. And please share them with a friend. 

You have taken away my companions and loved ones. Darkness is my closest friend. Psalm 88:18 NLT

As a child, I feared it. As an adult, it’s still not my favorite thing to walk into.

My dad attempted to calm my fear of darkness by sending me into an unlit yard, explaining there was nothing in the dark that wasn’t there in the light. As an adult, I realize that isn’t always true. Even now when I walk in the darkness, I’m constantly looking behind and ahead of me to make sure no strangers or animals are lurking about.

But there’s another type of darkness, and the psalmist experienced it. His was the “dark night of the soul.” A time when loneliness, abandonment, affliction, disease, depression, or even death was near.

Regardless of what my darkness stems from, God hasn’t reneged on His promise to never leave or forsake me. He’s as close to me in the dark periods as He is in the times of plenty—even if I don’t feel His presence as intensely.

Nor do my times of darkness confuse God. I’m often puzzled by what has led to the darkness. Is it something I’ve said or done? Is God simply trying to teach me a lesson? Through prayer and trust, God helps clear up the confusion.

God also isn’t surprised by my darkness. He knew about it before it arrived, and if it’s not sinful in nature it’s even possible He sent it for my benefit. These series of events either fit His purposes for me now or will be formed to fit His plan. Either way, I come out ahead, and the darkness eventually evaporates.

When you’re experiencing a dark night of the soul, trust God’s love and plan for you.

Join the Conversation: What is one way you face your fears?

Tweetable: How do you face your fears? 

Prayer: Eternal and merciful God, even in our times of darkness, we will trust You for the best.

Looking for a wide selection of genres in inspirational books at discount prices? Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram. Help us spread God's encouragement through His Love Lines.