When You Can’t See In The Dark

Our dog, Jack, woke up at 5:30am this morning. It was okay because I was awake, too. I quickly dressed, slipped Jack’s harness over his head, and we were off — stepping into the darkness. I could only just make out the shape of the sidewalk. The sky was overcast so any thought of moonlight helping was out of the question. Even so, with no hesitation, we walked on. After all, we have walked this route many times. We know where we are going be it daylight or night.

As we moved along I sensed Jack pull against the leash. He was alert to something I could not see. He began to pull harder in his quest to go after whatever had caught his attention. I hung on firmly as we stepped forward with caution, but I did not try to hold him back. After all, his nighttime vision is far better than mine. As we walked further I saw it, just as I had guessed. It was a fox trotting across the street, watching Jack as Jack kept his eyes on him. The fox jumped into some shrubs and Jack continued on with no further pulling against the leash.

I began to think of how we are at times with our Heavenly Father. He is out front leading the way. He can see through the darkest moments of our lives. Sometimes He stops us from proceeding. At other times He continues to lead us forward. We don’t know what’s out there. We can imagine all sorts of threatening scenarios, but if we give in to the fear, turning back as He leads forward, we may miss a faith-building part of our journey.

Just as Jack sees in the dark, sensing what is danger and what is not, God does so even more. He never makes mistakes. When He leads us forward, we can hang on amidst any fear, knowing that He knows, He cares, He protects, and He will not lead us into any situation alone. He is there. He will never leave us. He is our strength. He is our courage. All we need do is hang on to Him. This reminds me of that beautiful song, Be Still, For The Presence of the Lord. I find the words encouraging and faith building every time I hear them. The song is filled with beautiful and comforting truth. May you be blessed today with the reminder that — whatever dark place you may be going through, with God, you are never alone.

Be still for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here.

Come bow before Him now, with reverence and fear.

In Him no sin is found, we stand on Holy ground.

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here.

Be still for the glory of the Lord is shining all around;

He burns with Holy fire, with splendor He is crowned.

How awesome is the sight, our radiant King of light!

Be still for the glory of the Lord is shining all around.

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.

He comes to cleanse and heal, to minister His grace.

No work too hard for Him, in faith receive from Him;

Be still, for the power of the Lord is moving in this place.