Finding Light In Darkness
Photo by Amir Benlakhlef on Unsplash
Although it’s been a minute since I’ve written in this space, my thoughts regarding writing are on rotation, a constant loop if you will. I’ve been on the struggle bus. It’s been a long time since I’ve not been disciplined to follow through on writing. My practice involves listening all week long, jotting down notes, taking pictures that inspire, resulting in sitting down at my desk on Sunday afternoon to pen what thus saith the Lord. Admittedly, things have been a little dim. It’s not that I am not embracing the “joy of the Lord” but it’s been a bit challenging to dance it out…or at least in the ways that I’ve been accustomed to. I’ve been looking for the continuous light. In the year of our Lord 2026, we’ve still not figured out how to come to resolution without the shedding of blood. Unemployment and underemployment has not only hit my household but the households of those close to me. Sickness has assumed residence without invitation; and sadness and trauma have presented as not so distant relatives who refuse to depart. Sunday comes and goes empty of my words of encouragement, either for you or myself. But today, I write; and I’m persuaded to find the light in the darkness.
While taking a shower, the overhead light went out. Immediately, almost without breathing, I got frustrated. Quickly, the Holy Spirit convicted me. I had the nerve to be upset about being in the dark momentarily. I didn’t even have a separate shower growing up, let alone a specialized light to consume. How dare I be irritated by something so insignificant. Within seconds, the light returned. Yet God didn’t mean for me to miss the curated message. The darkness was temporary and so is everything we’ve been experiencing. Our invitation is to determine the posture we will assume as the light breaks through once again. What is our regimen? Do we operate through frustration or faith? Do we engage the strength of the Lord or the heaviness of heartbreak? I began to remind myself of all the dark places I’ve navigated before; those times when I didn’t have the faith that I now possess. The times when I could not document with undisputed evidence that the Hand of God showed up in undeniable and unimaginative ways. With each remembrance, we shed light when darkness has assumed.
So don’t mind me. My night goggles are the blessings, miracles and tangible evidence that illuminate the path that I must keep walking; that you must keep walking. It feels really dark, cold, isolating and as though we won’t make it out. But we will. Isaiah 60:1 reminds us, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” We are not forgotten. How could we be? We were on the mind of God as Jesus died for our sin; we are still on the mind of God. As we follow Jesus, we will never walk in darkness. Any suggestion otherwise is temporary and should be treated accordingly. As Vashawn Mitchell reminds us, “It won’t always be like this. The Lord will perfect that concerning me. And sooner or later, turn in my favor.” Sounds like light is on the way. Hold on just a little while longer.