Out of Darkness…

Christian scholar Timothy Beal, writing about spiritual formation, makes the profound claim that, “Darkness and uncertainty provide the environment most conducive to growth of the soul.”  

I don’t know why that is, but I’ve certainly found it to be true. When I’ve asked people how they came to faith, or when they grew in their faith, so many times it has come out of a time of crisis – whether it was a struggling marriage, or after the death of someone close, or during a time of illness. I even think about how some of my friends in other countries live in utter poverty and yet they have this profound level of faith. 

Maybe it’s because in coming face-to-face and wrestling with our demons we’ve realized a strength and hope that is beyond us. Or maybe it’s because during these times it dawns on us that we really don’t have as much control over life as we’d like to think, and we realize we have to trust. 

Time and again, I’ve heard stories about how – just when life seemed to be falling apart – something deep inside started to grow: hope that couldn’t be contained, hope that you would see a loved one again; hope that things will change, hope that there can be a new start. 

These moments – while they are scary and difficult – they are at the same time heavy with potential. Yes, there is potential for bitterness and anger. But, if we guard against that, there is also potential for the soul to grow. There is potential for new strength and courage; for deeper love and understanding. 

When you find yourself in one of those dark times, or if you are in one of those dark times, may you turn to God and trust. God will make a way through the wilderness. God will make a way…

Let us pray: Loving God, when we are in the middle of a crisis, it is so hard to see beyond the moment. Sometimes it feels as though we will never get through it, life will always be dark. We need you, Lord, in those moments. Some of us need your strength, your courage, and your grace right now. Fill us with hope, and empower us to trust, in Jesus’ name. Amen.