by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor
I once asked the Lord how I could experience darkness as His child if He is light. He led me to 2 Chronicles 6:1-2: Then Solomon spoke: “The Lord has said that He would dwell in a dark cloud.” Huh? The Lord is in a dark cloud? How is that possible? The following is taken from my journal on the day the Lord gave me understanding:
The wind was kicking up, swirling fallen leaves into tiny whirlwinds. A thunderhead was forming on the horizon. As the massive clouds streamed overhead, the sun became obscured. I rocked on my porch and watched darkness settle on the mountainside.
I looked up at the afternoon sky, thick with dark storm clouds, pondering what Solomon had said. I was looking for answers. I was looking for hope. Life had been so difficult lately. I knew we hadn’t been forsaken by the Lord, but I couldn’t put the pieces together. God is light and love and all things wonderful, so if I belonged to Him, how could life be filled with such darkness? There had to be an answer.
The sun peeked out from behind the darkest cloud in the sky. It was only for a moment, but it was a God-moment. As the sun revealed its crown of brilliant light, the cloud grew darker. Why? Could it be the darkness of the cloud is actually a shadow cast by the glorious light of the sun? That makes sense, doesn’t it? Without the presence of the sun, I don’t believe the cloud would be dark. The darkness is a shadow.
Solomon said the Lord told Him He would dwell in a dark cloud. Exodus 20:21 reads, The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was (NIV). I’m beginning to realize that throughout the Old Testament God shrouded His glory with a cloud. I had always pictured this cloud as being bright. But if God is in the cloud, the cloud itself would become dark because God’s light would cast a shadow.
When I understand that God is with me and yet find myself in a dark place, could the darkness actually be because He is with me? Could it be that the brilliant Light of His Presence overshadows the evil invading my life? If so, then the reality of my darkness becomes the reality of His Presence…
The reality of my darkness becomes the reality of His Presence.
SELAH
I unfortunately missed the deadline but I’ve what you have written. I know people have “hard” times and go thru difficulties, and I’m not saying I’m different or special but I really need to see, to feel, to hear, that all this darkness is going away for brighter days. People tell others I just have a dark cloud. I’m tired, but I want to cling on to that single thread of his hem. But, I need guidance. So, thank you allowing me to read just a glimmer. Maybe that was enough.
Signed with love still with hope.
Connie
Bless your heart. I’ve learned that during the times I have felt abandoned by God, or forgotten by Him — those are the times He is drawing the closest to me. He promises to draw NEAR to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit (those living under a dark cloud). I believe His word, therefore I believe this is true. BUT, until I stopped focusing on my circumstances and, instead, turned my eyes toward Him, I couldn’t see Him. I couldn’t recognize His presence with me. Maybe that is what is happening to you. You ARE clinging to the hem of His garment or you wouldn’t have written to me. You are!! But your circumstances are smothering you. I know because I’ve been there. I encourage you to fill your home with praise. Turn it up loud, especially when you don’t want to. That will help to renew your spirit and it will also usher in the presence of the Lord. Speak the Name of Jesus often. When I am too overwhelmed to pray, that’s what I do. I simply speak the Name of Jesus and He responds. He comforts me, He dries my tears, He gives me His peace. You are very precious to Him, Connie. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart so that you might see Him drawing near to you. In His presence is fullness of joy — not happiness. That is contingent on circumstances. Fullness of JOY — the knowledge and contentment of knowing you are loved with an everlasting love. I’m adding your name to my prayer journal and I will continue to pray for you. With a hug, Nan