TRUSTING GOD IN THE DARk

Sam Simmons

Central Truth

When the darkness of despair and depression come, God can seem far away and His promises may no longer seem true. God's light and truth help us place our hope in Him, even in the darkness.

Reveal your light and your faithfulness!
They will lead me,
they will escort me back to your holy hill,
and to the place where you live.
(Psalm 43:3)

Send Out Your Light and Your Truth

1 Vindicate me, O God, and defend my cause
    against an ungodly people,
from the deceitful and unjust man
    deliver me!
2 For you are the God in whom I take refuge;
    why have you rejected me?
Why do I go about mourning
    because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Send out your light and your truth;
    let them lead me;
let them bring me to your holy hill
    and to your dwelling!
4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
    to God my exceeding joy,
and I will praise you with the lyre,
    O God, my God.

5 Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God.

The darkness of despair and depression can descend for many reasons. For the psalmist in Psalm 43, darkness descended over a broken heart when ungodly enemies schemed to destroy him. For us, darkness can descend for many reasons: a doctor's report, a loved one's betrayal, broken dreams, financial stress, an uncertain future.

In darkness we ask, "Where is God?" We complain, "If God were here, this wouldn't have happened." We lament, "God seems so far away." That's why the psalmist prayed, "Send forth your light . . . guide me . . . ." (Psalm 43:3a, NIV) When He gives light to our spiritual eyes, we see that God has not left us. To the contrary, we realize that God has been with us all along, surrounding us and holding us close. God is not absent. God is not hiding. When darkness descends, ask God to give spiritual light to your eyes so you can see Him.

In darkness we are tempted to doubt the promises of God and instead believe lies. We think, "God promised to give me strength. Why am I still weak? God promised to provide for my needs. Why do I have nothing left? God promised to comfort me. Why am I still hurting? God promised to help me love others. Why am I filled with anger at those around me?" Satan takes advantage of the darkness to sow seeds of doubt. That's why the psalmist prayed, "Send forth . . . your truth . . . guide me . . . ." (Psalm 43:3a, NIV) When darkness descends, ask God to restore His truth to your mind and heart.

God sends His light and truth to us in many ways: through prayer, the assurance of a friend, a pastor's message, quiet reflection, an author's writing. Are you looking for God in the dark? Ask God to send light to your eyes so you can see Him. Do you doubt God's promises in the dark? Ask God to send truth to your heart and mind so your faith can be restored.

1. Reflect on periods when darkness descended into your life.

2. Someone wrote, "Don't doubt in the dark what you know to be true in the light." What doubts are you prone to have when darkness comes?

3. Identify ways God has shown Himself to you during periods of darkness.

4. When a friend or family member is in a period of darkness, what are ways that you can be supportive?

5. What kinds of encouragement, though well-intentioned, can be less than helpful to someone struggling to find God in the darkness?