One thing that, when I see it, will always change my mood and lift my emotions is a sunset. I watch in amazement as the sun dips below the horizon—just one last glimpse of that stunning ball of fire. As the sun sets, the sky takes on spectacular colors. It puts on a beautiful display of colors that reaches our senses. Not just sight, but it somehow affects our very souls. Sunrise is equally beautiful but in a subtle way. The light is just beginning to peak over the horizon with slight colors of pink and orange, bringing the darkness of night to an end. When morning comes and the light shines, hope for the day dawns.
Recently, my husband and I traveled, and while we were away, he got some concerning news about work. It was toward the end of the day. This problem was on his mind for the rest of the evening and adversely affected his sleep. The following day, he was still thinking about it, but it didn’t seem so overwhelming, and he had clearer thoughts on how to deal with the issue. He turned to me and said, “why do problems always seem worse at night, but in the daylight, I feel like I can handle the issue?” His statement made me think about a time in my life when I faced surgery and had difficulty dealing with my anxiety. I remember my mother saying, “it always seems worse at night. You will feel better in the morning.”
As I was thinking about this concept, I thought about the saying, “It is always darkest before dawn.” This phrase is quite old, dating back to 1650 when the English Theologian Thomas Fuller coined the words “the darkest hour is just before the dawn.” While scientists reveal this is not true, Thomas Fuller’s phrase leads us to believe that we should not give up on hope no matter how bad life gets.
We all go through difficulties in life. Sometimes we find ourselves in circumstances that seem to get worse and worse with no end in sight. These challenging times can make me wonder, how much longer can it go on before the tide turns? I pray for God’s help and deliverance from my troubles, struggles, or anxieties.
Although this idea of darkness and dawn is not scriptural, I do see examples of this idea in the Bible. Matthew 14:24-32 is an excellent example of Jesus meeting us in the darkness. The disciples were in trouble out to sea in the middle of the night. I am sure they were overwhelmed and tired. Jesus sent them out to the other side of the sea. But where was he? It was now the fourth watch of the night (3:00-6:00 am). When Jesus did appear, the disciples were terrified and thought he was a ghost. But Jesus called to them and told them not to be afraid. This miracle highlights that Jesus comes to us during our storms, and although we may still be facing darkness, he brings light with him to calm us and help us. Also, as Peter got out of the boat in great faith and started walking toward Jesus, taking his eyes off Jesus just for a moment, he became afraid and began to sink. This example reminds me to focus on the one who can help me and bring light, help, and hope. Giving into one distraction from the enemy; I may start to sink.
Another example of the darkest before the dawn would be Jesus’ crucifixion and death. The day after the crucifixion was probably the darkest day any follower of Jesus had experienced. The Messiah they hoped for and longed for lay dead and buried in a tomb. But that dark day turned into brilliant light three days later with Jesus’ resurrection. Because Jesus rose from the dead, gaining victory over death, we can have hope no matter what difficulty we face. His victory over death gives everyone who accepts him as savior victory over this world as well.
Why is darkness so scary? Why do I walk a little quicker when out at night and sigh in relief when I get back into my car or house all safe and secure? Possibly because of what happens in the unknown and the fact that I can’t see everything. Evil can hide and catch me unawares. I wouldn’t say I like to walk into dark rooms. Not because I fear what is in there but because I may trip over something or run into an object. Turning a light on can take away all those unknowns. I don’t need the light in the daytime because I have natural light flooding the room through the windows or doors.
How do I turn on the lights when I face dark times in my life? My first step is to stop and pray. Then I can read the Bible and search the scriptures for encouragement and hope. A few verses that come to mind are “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5), and 2 Samuel 22:29 says, “You Lord are my lamp, the Lord turns my darkness into light.” Psalm 119:105 states, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” This wonderful verse shows us that finding light in the Bible is possible and should be sought. The Bible points us to God being with us in the darkness. “By day, the Lord directs his love; at night, his song is with me .”(Psalm 42:8). And finally, dark times help us grow in faith and help us on our journey to becoming more like Jesus. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete. (James 1:2-4)
After the sun sets, darkness settles. The world around me takes on a different hue. Artificial lights come on to guide me either on the road or in my house. But it is not the same quality of light. Artificial light will only partially replace natural sunlight. Manufactured lights will only be able to mimic natural sunlight. Just like I will never find true light in things of this world. I will only see the light in my life from God. Situations always look worse in the dark of night. Our anxiety, fears, uncertainty, and a diagnosis that comes out of nowhere all seem worse at night. The conditions that terrify or upset us under cover of night don’t seem as daunting in the light of day. No matter how the light shows up in your life, like a sunset that is bold with spectacular color or like a sunrise with just a hint of morning brightness with subtle hues that bring hope to the day, always thank God for being the light in your life.
With light comes hope.
Peace in the Desert 