When Shadows Darken the Way

The days are growing shorter with the arrival of Autumn. Just a few weeks ago, when I would take our dog, Jack, for his first walk of the day, it was fully light at 6:00am. Yesterday was much different. We stepped out to a cooler and darker morning. Everything was covered in various shades of grey and gloomy shadows around trees, lurking in corners, and peeking from behind bushes.

As we were walking down one dark street, Jack paused to have a sniff at some interesting bits of grass growing between cracks in the pavement. As he slowed, I glanced behind me. Oh, what a surprise met my eyes! I was astounded at the beauty! The sky was painted in bright pinks and blues as a golden sun was rising to wash away shades and shadows. I stood several moments basking in the light. It not only began to brighten the day but also awakened my senses to joy and appreciation.

This is the same in our spiritual lives. The troubles of this world, if we’re not careful, can equate to a constant walking in shadows of gloom, forgetting that light will ever come again. I take great comfort in something Jesus said to His followers in John 16:33, “…Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows, but be of good cheer because I have overcome the world.” Jesus, and everything about Him, His own strength, courage, peace, and joy in the face of any calamity, is promised to be ours, too.

We may walk down a long dark street of despair, not knowing what’s around the next corner, but turn around, see Him there. Focus. Listen. Enjoy. Walk on in the comfort that the light of His love and guidance will indeed light our way again.