If the word is a lamp unto our feet – How about some wise and directing words about when your child leaves home, or when parents move in? … David, I could use a Psalm about God standing with you as you stood alone in your grown child’s bedroom room, or a sonnet about finding purpose when life feels over … Solomon, couldn’t you have written wise words for the parent who struggles daily with rejection from their own child?
There are days when the word doesn’t feel bright enough to light the path I’m on. Let me confess further, there are days when Amazon drops books at my door that I hope will give the light I need; words from a stranger that I’m hoping will flint-strike against the word, spark and ignite a flame of truth to light the darkness and give direction.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3: 16,17
What is a person to do when their path feels dark and the light of the word is dim? When they don’t know what to do or which direction to take … or, they do know, and knowing doesn’t make it any less difficult?
This is where I’d love to write a bold type answer in one simple and dramatic sentence, I can’t. However, I can encourage you with the only thing I’ve known to do … keep going … keep walking … keep showing up … keep doing the next right thing.
God’s companionship is not controlled by our right or wrong choices – it is constant even when we try to hide, or choose to disobey – His loyalty to us remains even when life is unfair and cruel.
If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. Psalm 139:9-12
A dark path reflects a deep need. When a season of parenthood felt like a path of thorns, Jesus guided me through a deep need of wisdom and peace. This path of chronic pain I walk, Jesus faithfully meets my deep need for His closeness and guidance. His light didn’t come without cost – it cost me a walk through my fears, insecurities, doubts … darkness I wanted to avoid because recognizing where I needed light was examining the darkness of places I’d not received love.
If you’re struggling to find light in the word … I have too. I’ve looked to the word to solve a problem rather than bring light to the darkness of my soul. Difficult paths bring out the Jesus in us! Dark paths reveal our deep need for His light to be shown. To see His light, we must gaze into our darkness knowing He is there guiding us through … because He is. Be encouraged, friend, Jesus is with you in darkness and in light – He is constantly directing and guiding you even when you feel alone. Just keep going, take the next right step, and move toward the light of His companionship.
Cheering for you!
