That Scary Darkness! / Mrs Beth Spilger

Mrs Beth Spilger

Pastor's Wife

Grace Baptist Church

St Louis, MO

That Scary Darkness!

Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. Psalm 91:14-16

Our four year old son stood quietly next to his father, placed his hand into his father’s hand- indicating he needed to talk with him, and waited for Dad to finish his conversation. Barely a minute before, Jon had told his father he was going down stairs into the church basement to use the restroom (the only restrooms in our church). He’d returned to quickly to have accomplished his mission. Done, Dad looked down at his son,

“What do you need, son?”

“It’s dark down there, Dad.” Jon stated matter of factly.

Without saying a word, Dad nodded with understanding, took Jon’s hand and led him down the steps and into the darkness. Jon had no fear. He was brave against the overwhelming darkness in that huge foreboding room. The reason…Dad was with him. Dad was holding his hand. Dad was tall enough to turn on the lights and reveal what was in the darkness. Dad would protect him from whatever lay in that darkness that might harm him. Dad was right there beside him. Dad bravely entered the darkness, so Jon bravely enter as well.

Mission accomplished, Dad took his hand once again as they walked out of the basement. Dad turned out the lights and led Jon back up the steps. Dad didn’t scold Jon for his fear of the scary darkness. Jon received only genuine care and love from his father. Our son totally trusted his father to care for his need- to care for him during this time of trouble.

What kind of trouble are you facing in your life right now? It’s scary, I’m sure! I’m facing a couple myself. I know fear that can overwhelm. I have NO idea what the outcome will be but I know that my Father is holding my hand and leading me through the darkness. I talked with Him this morning about my fear. He didn’t scold me but He promised He would be with me. He said He would deliver me and would protect me from what could genuinely hurt me. His truth (His Word) is my shield and buckler- my protection. I can trust His promises. His Word is faithful and true.

You can trust your Heavenly Father, too! You can walk through the darkness you’re facing today with your hand in His knowing that He is right there beside you. He will deliver you! He will protect you! He won’t scold you because His love surrounds you and He understands…He has walked through the very same things you are facing (see Hebrews 4:15).

By the way…there IS light at the end of your dark tunnel!