Under Cover of Darkness

…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning (Psalm 30:5)

It is normal to see a child experience fear and anxiety as the day begins to dawn and the brightness of the sun is raced away by the blackness of night. It is a little uncommon, however, to find someone who has transitioned from childhood to adulthood still afraid of the dark. An adult terrorized by fear of what lurks in the darkness of the night season.

Night time somehow sparks anxiety and fear in even the strongest among us. The most popular feature of the night is intense darkness, but it is not the only feature. Though much of humanity would prefer days rather than nights, the darkness of night is intended to facilitate a season of calm and restoration not to promote fear. Nevertheless, I must confess, though I have no fear of dark seasons in the natural, there are times when I am gripped with fear when facing some dark season in my life.

Unrest and turmoil are default emotions for many as we encounter dark situations in life which tend to conceal the presence of God. I realize the statement I’m about to make may sound a little unlikely, but stay with me. God desires that we embrace the night seasons in our lives because He is working and moving in those times to produce our morning joy. My friend, there is never a moment when God is not with us. In our darkest, bleakest hours He’s moving on our behalf to ensure that ALL THINGS are working together for our good. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2)

This verse assures us that God is in the dark with us. “And the Spirit of God moved...” the original text of the word moved in this passage means hover. Merriam-Webster defines hover this way: to float in the air without moving in any direction, to stay very close to a person or place, to stay near a specified point or level. God is always in a higher position over whatever darkness we may encounter, it is ours to trust His word that He will never leave us. We don’t have to be afraid of the dark because the Spirit of The Lord is with us in every place, especially in the dark. I believe If we could renew our minds to the idea that night is necessary and night is good then we could experience morning joy, peace and restoration with the dawning of each new day. Look at it this way, the reason we experience joy in the morning is because while we slept God was moving on our behalf.

God Commands the Light to Shine:

Verse 3 of Genesis 1 says “ And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” Just one word from God can dispel the season of darkness you’re in right now. Dig into His word and press into His presence until you get a word that breaks the power of darkness in your life.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)

This passage speaks volumes to me because no matter how dark my situation may get, I can join forces with God and command light to shine out of darkness in Jesus’ name.

Darkness has no power over you:

We learned that light was commanded to shine out of darkness which further confirms that God who is light is present in the darkness. 1 John 1: 5 says “This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” As long as I am in Christ I can exercise dominion over the darkness. Say this with me… God is more powerful than the darkness! No matter how deep the darkness was the bible says God was moving. That means He’s moving for you and He’s moving for me right now. Hallelujah!

Pray with me

Faithful Father, how grateful I am that you have not abandoned me in the day or in the night. May Your abiding presence continue to empower me to trust you in all things and in every place. May my hope be ever founded upon the word of your power to carry me safely to Your side. I receive my morning joy right now in Jesus’ name, amen.