105. WHEN IN DARK TIMES. Psalm 112:4.

Faith is like film, it is developed in the dark. Dark days make us lean on God. The truth is, if our faith was never tested, we would never be motivated to draw closer to Him. The Hymnist Edward Mote penned these words “ When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace...When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ, The Solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand. It’s easy to praise God when your health is good and the bills are paid. But it’s during the dark days that you discover just exactly what your faith is made of. And where your trust truly lies; in yourself, in others or in God. When your days feel as dark as your nights, here is a scripture to stand on from (Isaiah 50:10) “Let the one who walks in the dark, he who has no light, trust in the name of The Lord and rely on their God”. Job lived an exemplary life. Yet he lost everything. Troubled and perplexed, he cried (Job 19:8) “He has blocked my way so I cannot pass: He has shrouded my path in darkness.” Job could see no way through or around His situation. Then he discovered that when you can’t find the reason, you can trust the relationship. Then we read:-(Job:42:5) “My ears have heard of you, but now I see you” When he made that discovery everything changed (Job 42:12) “and The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” What God did for Job, He will do for you. When you acknowledge and trust Him completely. In (Mark 6:48) we read, “About the forth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea… and when they saw Him...they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out..But immediately He… said to them, ‘Be of good cheer, it is I; do not be afraid,’ “ (Mark 6:48-51) then He went up into the boat to them and the wind ceased“ Darkness isn’t always the work of the enemy; sometimes it’s one of God’s greatest teaching tools. I believe, one of the best times to get to know God is when we go through storms with Him: and by reaching that place where you think “”If God doesn’t come through for me in this situation, then I’m sunk.” That’s when He comes to you walking on the sea. Jesus said to His Disciples (Matt:10,27) “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight.” It’s in your darkest moments that God will give you some of your greatest insights. In (Psalm139:12) The Psalmist said “ To you then light shines as bright as day” So instead of running from your problems, ask God to develop your night vision, and show you as He showed Isaiah in (45:3) “treasures of darkness… hidden riches of secret places.” And one more thought: When the darkness you’re experiencing is God-ordained, don’t try to create your own light. (Isaiah 50:10-11) says “If you are walking in darkness without a ray of light, trust in The Lord and rely on your God. But watch out, you who live in your own light...You will soon fall down in great torment.” When you are in darkness by divine design, you don’t have to be afraid, God has promised to bring you through. Remind Him of His promise to you. “Whatever you ask in my name, it will be done for you.” This is only a short word, but, it can encompasses a great deal, it can tell you about the depth of your faith, If you allow Jesus to expose it to you, He will assure you of the very presence of God and give you the encouragement you require to depend and trust in Him regardless of the outcome. Yes, there is a lot in it, so it may be worth reading a second time.. Thank you for reading this word on “What to do when are in a Dark Place” Turn to God; Believe,Trust and obey, He will turn the light on for you. which ever way He does that will be best for you and all. concerned. You may not see or agree with Him at the time, but that’s only because you can’t see your future, but He can. Doing it this way proves to God that you truly do love and trust Him and your reward will be guaranteed for eternity. God Bless. Phaline. ------------------------------