At any given time, everyone has some aspect of their life that could be described as a “darkness”. It could be a physical darkness due to an illness with yourself or a loved one. It could be a financial darkness due to the loss of a job. It could be an emotional darkness due to a divorce. Whatever your darkness is, it is sure to create a lot of fear and anxiety.
Christ knows all about the darkness that can invade our life. He spoke directly to this darkness when he said, “I came into the world as light, so that everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) Take great hope in that! Christ knows that you have, and will have, times of “darkness” in your life. The great news is He has provided a pathway out of the darkness: Himself.
Notice what he says, “…everyone who believes in me might not remain in darkness.” This belief is much more than a mental decision. It requires a total, complete, trust. The kind of clinging-to-the-scrap-of-wood-when-you’re-adrift-in-the-middle-of-a-stormy-sea trust. That piece of wood is your lifeline. Your life depends on it, and you are not letting go of it no matter what. That is the type of trust you must have in Christ. Coming out of darkness is not typically a single event where suddenly the dawn breaks and your world is flooded with light. It is typically a process where gradually the darkness fades. It will take time. During this time, cling tightly to Christ and know that he will lead you out of your darkness. He is your lifeline.
Take your darkness to Christ in prayer. Tell him you are scared out of your mind. Tell him you can’t see the road ahead. Tell him you have no idea where you are or where you are going. Then give him the greatest gift: tell Him that you are going to trust him–no matter what. Tell him that you are clinging to his feet and you are not letting go. After you do that, be sure to have your sunglasses handy because there’s a sunny forecast in your future.
(c) Vincent Frese, II
www.divorcedcatholic.org
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Originally posted 2010-04-28 10:07:34.
Well stated. I can confirm, from my own experience, that the only way to get through the dark days is to place your burden in His hands. It’s His plan, not ours. Be patient and see what unfolds. God will deliver.