The world seems pretty dark right now, doesn't it? Unemployment, Swine Flu, pirates (!), war, nuclear testing, recession--the news just isn't very good. And in my immediate circle, family members and friends are struggling with their own crises. All these problems and concerns caused me to lose sleep more than once over the past week.
Sometimes, I want to pull the covers over my head and not get out of bed. Since that's not an option, (thank God for perky preschoolers!), I try to focus on God's word, and not the world's noise. I count my many blessings, and remember the scriptures that promise a good outcome--if not right away, then eventually! :)
And I journal, pouring my thoughts and fears on paper. Here's something I wrote several years ago that still applies today. I hope it encourages you to look for the light, and to shine it for others:
The other night, our toddler, Jackson, was laying beside me on the bed. I told him a story and then got up to turn off the light. As soon as I flipped the switch, I got back in bed beside him. Still, he started crying. "Mommy!" he yelled. "Where are you? I can't see you! Turn on the light!" I immediately got up and turned a small light back on.
"Mommy's right here," I said soothingly. "I'm not going anywhere." As soon as he could see me, he quieted down and began to fall asleep.
As I lay next to him, stroking his soft har, God revealed to me that I am soooo much like my little boy. When things are not going well and I can't see what God's doing, I begin to panic. "Where are you?" I cry. "I can't see you! Turn on the light!"
"Dena," God whispered to me heart, "I'm here even when you can't see me. I'm right next to you." Like the Perfect Parent He is, He doesn't scold me or chastise my lack of faith. Because He understands my frailties and fears, He turns on the light for me, just as I immediately turned on the light for my little man.
Sometimes the light comes through comforting scriptures, or through the sweet voice of a friend. Sometimes, it appears with a hug from my husband or older son. And sometimes, light breaks through with a hymn or a worship song that I hear on the radio. Whatever form it takes, the result is the same...peace, comfort--and rest. Praise God, He never leaves me in the dark...and He never, ever leaves me alone.
