Thick Darkness
By Peggy Kleckner
“The people
remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God
was.”
Exodus
20:21 (NIV)
I have often found
that we, as a people of God, want to shy away from “darkness,” especially
“thick darkness.” We want to talk about God’s light, His joy, His provision.
Somehow we just can’t seem to associate God with darkness. Why not?
Is
God not sovereign over light and darkness?
The
people of God remained at a distance, but Moses was willing to approach the
thick darkness because that is where God was. He didn’t fear the darkness,
because his focus was on wanting to be where God was. He was willing to plunge
into the darkness in order to meet with God.
How
about us? We know that God has taken up residence in our heart once we have
accepted the gift of His Son Jesus for our salvation. I believe there comes a
day when God calls us to meet Him in our very hearts. We don’t want to answer
His call because we know the thick darkness that we have allowed to reside
there. The darkness of un-forgiveness - - of guilt, old wounds and painful
memories - - frightens us. We cry out for Him to meet us somewhere else - - in
His Word, in ministry, in busyness- - but not in the dark corners of our
hearts. Yet, He bids us, “Come, I am here.”
Facing
the darkness of our own hearts and allowing God to heal our hidden pains gives
Him more room to display His glory. Our lives begin to change from the inside
out. By facing our own darkness, we encounter His strength, His provision, His
love, His faithfulness; our faith blossoms and we begin to display His
attributes. It is His love that overcomes our darkness.
How
can we be available to boldly approach the darkness of our neighbor when we
have not faced our own? How can we testify to the fullness of His grace when we
have not let Him pour it out into the deep wells of our own woundedness?
We
are children of the light because we boldly face the darkness of our own sinful
nature and allow Him to liberally apply the salve of His great and glorious
salvation. This is the gospel. Christ came into the darkness and brings His
great light.
GOING DEEPER:
1.
Is there an area of your heart that you have not allowed Him to heal?
2. Will you trust Him to lead you even if He leads
into dark places?
FURTHER READING:
Peggy is a wife and
mother of four adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active
encourager at Oakwood Church in Delafield.
