Psalm 43:5 – Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (NIV)

The other evening, my daughter hurried into the house from a meeting. She was calling me to come quickly and look. Getting up and going out onto the front stoop to see what was happening, I experienced the northern lights for the first time since moving to the north eleven years ago. They were truly magnificent as they danced and rippled across the velvet sky: pinks and blues, whites and greens leaping and twirling like living things. What a marvellous and unexpected spectacle, especially as it was early in the evening, since normally, this light show saves itself for long after most people are in bed.

This wondrous display reminded me of how so often amidst dark times of the soul, we meet God in the most unexpected and marvellous ways.

Many years ago, I went through a very dark time, when even the smallest chores were overwhelming. Being around other people was almost unbearable. It was as if I had lost myself and didn't know how to proceed through my day, much less have any plans or hopes for the future. Amidst this time, however, my saving grace was provided by the Lord through music. I would listen through earphones to quiet, contemplative hymns and choruses. As the beauty and the truth of this music, based upon Scripture, rippled and danced softly through my mind, I found peace and new hope. I met God in a whole new way, just when I thought that He had abandoned me to the icy grip of depression and hopelessness.

Today, you may be going through a cold and dreary time, a time of darkness within, a time when you wonder if you will ever be yourself again. If so, don't give up. God is with you in your darkness, and just when you least expect it, you, too, will find yourself dancing in the dark, for He is the One who can be counted on to turn the darkness of our night into the glorious light of His day.

Prayer: Wondrous Lord and Father in heaven, thank You that in You, there is no darkness and that You are always with us amidst our own dark and dreary times, bringing the light of Your love. Prepare our hearts and minds and souls for dancing in the dark with You, that we might praise You, our Saviour and God. In Christ's name, we ask. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
Send your feedback to the author