Treasures of Darkness
I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who calls you by your name, Am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3 NKJV
The Bible tells us that God will give us the treasures of darkness. But most of us don’t want to be in darkness. I prefer the “light”; I like to know what’s going on. I like to see what I’m facing and what’s coming. I don’t feel in control in darkness.
We can feel vulnerable in the dark. I experienced this recently. I was literally in darkness. I had the worst case of pink eye. Odd illustration, I know, but I just had it in October – for two weeks! And every morning, both eyes were “glued shut.” So I would feel my way to the bathroom, hoping not to injure myself, soak a washcloth, and hold it on my eyes until I could open them and see. It didn’t take too many mornings of that for me to be aware of how easily I could get confused with where the door was and the possibility of bumping into other potentially dangerous objects. But what a difference if I could hold the hand of someone who could see! My husband was usually close by and could guide me to the right place and what I needed. I just had to humble myself and ask.
What does darkness look like for us?
Darkness can be chronic pain or illness, mental health struggles, losing a job, losing a loved one, divorce, an extended period of waiting, broken or strained relationships, overwhelm… so many things! In this life, we will have difficulty, loss, and pain. And it is human nature to just want to get out of it, as quickly as possible! But God tells us that there are treasures He has hidden there. And sometimes He lets us stay in the darkness so we can find them, and find Him.
Why does God hide treasures in the dark?
I wonder if it’s because maybe in the “light,” we’re too independent and too easily distracted. We don’t need to ask for help when things are going well. And in the “light,” I can see everything. And that can be distracting; I can easily get caught up in my interests and desires. But in the dark, we’re limited – with what we can see and what we can do. We need God in the dark. We need His hand to grab hold of and guide us. We need His voice and His Word to comfort us.
What are the treasures that God hides in darkness?
o Learning to abide with Him
o Learning how to surrender – ourselves and our loved ones
o Learning to lean on Him and lean on others
o Confidence in God replaces fear of the unknown
o Peace that passeth understanding
o Overcoming fear of darkness and difficulty
o Empathy for others who are experiencing darkness
o Appreciation and thankfulness for God’s presence and peace
The greatest treasure in darkness is that God shows us who He is, and we experience Him in a more intimate and real way.
We have a choice in the darkness. We can stumble through it alone and just try to get out. Or we can ask God for help. Not only to guide us out of the darkness but also to show us what He has for us there. In my experience, God doesn’t waste anything. It’s often in the darkest place that He has given me the most precious treasure.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
Is there an area in your life that feels like “darkness” right now?
In what ways have you been trying to escape the darkness on your own?
What has been the outcome of trying to do it on your own?
What treasure do you think God might have for you? (If you’re not sure, ask Him to show you!)
When I’m experiencing darkness in an area of my life, I first invite God in and ask Him to be present with me. Often, the dark can feel so heavy that it’s helpful to start with worship. Worship penetrates the darkness and ushers us into the presence of God. From there, we are ready to turn to His Word for support, guidance, and the treasures He has for us there.
WORSHIP:
· Lord I Need You (Matt Maher)
· Living Hope (Phil Wickham)
· Great Are You Lord (Casting Crowns)
· I Speak Jesus (Charity Gayle)
· Jireh (Elevation Worship)
· Take You At Your Word (Cody Carnes)
· It Is Well With My Soul (Anthem Lights)
SCRIPTURE:
· Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
· You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalm 18:28
· Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God. Isaiah 50:10
· Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous. Psalm 112:4
· To shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:79
· What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Matthew 10:27
· I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them. I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16
