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.
