Yesterday was Sunday. The lesson I taught was on Abram, and Abram found himself in a place in life where he wondered if he misunderstood God. He was in what many describe as The Dark Night of the Soul. Self-doubt set in and caused him to question God’s promises, then fear set in. “How is everything going to work out for good?” That was Abram’s question. I find myself asking the same question these days.
Sunday I told my class that I needed to take a break from teaching because of my health issues. I have been teaching the Bible since I was in college. I have led weekly Bible studies, led youth groups, singles groups, conferences, adults and children throughout my life. I have found myself asking, “What now, God? Where am I going from here?” Like Abram, I have often found myself in the Dark Night of the Soul. It’s a real thing. Maybe you have experienced this. The term comes from sixteenth century spiritual classic of that title by St. John of the Cross.
Fear is a huge companion these days with cancer. I understand Abram’s feelings completely. Not only do I fear the re-occurrence and what lies ahead, but with the back surgeries and other procedures, I have found my body slowly unfamiliar and deteriorating with every passing day. What I could depend on in the past has disappeared with each painful day of illness. My memory has been greatly affected. Doubt sets in, and I ask God “What is the plan here? Hello, is anybody there?”
Abram found the answer to his fear in the Word. I wish I could say that I run to the Word; but the true fact is that I find myself wallowing in self-pity, filling my mind with self-loathing, and finish with an unbecoming “poor me.” I find myself longing for days past … days without pain, illness, and lack of freedom.
When I can stand myself no longer, when there is no hope in sight, this is when I turn to the One who calms my fears, shows me joy, and lights my path. The dark side of illness has no chance when the Word of God dwells in my heart. I ask myself, “Why do I wait so long?” Part of this could be medication, and part the cancer treatment; but I cannot go through this alone. I cannot stand alone. I don’t like to be alone. Never have. I need the strength and power of Almighty God, who understands my pain, who understands each moment of my life, to walk beside me and before me every day.
I NEED YOU TODAY, LORD!
(If you read the previous statement as “God Is No Where” … read it again.)
Embrace the reality that God has not abandoned you, nor have you abandoned Him.
See this? “God Is Now Here.”
The following scriptures are some that have encouraged me lately. Hopefully, they will encourage you. Many of them are verses Bonita placed on sheets of paper all around my bedroom. I couldn’t escape them and they were such a light in my dark place.
In fact, the precious ladies of Living Proof (Beth Moore employees and support staff) texted Bo and me every day with scriptures that blessed, uplifted, and encouraged me out of my Dark Night.
Just as Abram found peace in the Word, let His word strengthen you as it has me.
Blessings today!
Steve
God Is Big, and He Does Big Things!
#1 Isaiah 41:13
For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, ‘Do not fear, I will help you.’ (Isaiah 41:13 NASB)
#2 John 10:10
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 NASB)
#3 John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 NASB
#4 Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9 NASB)
#5 Isaiah 43:18-19
Do not call to mind the former things, Or ponder things of the past. “Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. (Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB)
#6 John 14:1
Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. (John 14:1 NASB)
#7 James 1:2-4
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4 NASB)
#8 Psalm 103:8,11
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him. (Psalms 103:8, 11 NASB)
#9 Romans 15:13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13 NASB)
#10 Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.” (Genesis 15:1 NASB)
“Do not fear, (your name)_______, I am a shield to you; Your reward shall be very great.”
#11 Galatians 3:6
Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Galatians 3:6 NASB)
