“The God who made the world and everything in it, this Master of sky and land, doesn’t live in custom-made shrines or need the human race to run errands for him, as if he couldn’t take care of himself. He makes the creatures; the creatures don’t make him. Starting from scratch, he made the entire human race and made the earth hospitable, with plenty of time and space for living so we could seek after God, and not just grope around in the dark but actually find him. He doesn’t play hide-and-seek with us. He’s not remote; he’s near. We live and move in him, can’t get away from him! One of your poets said it well: ‘We’re the God-created.’ Well, if we are the God-created, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to think we could hire a sculptor to chisel a god out of stone for us, does it?” ~ Acts 17:24-29, MSG
Are You Groping in the Dark Searching for His Hand?
Lord, You are my light and my salvation, my refuge and my strength. Darkness is seeping into every corner of the world, it seems. But I know You are with us. When I’m groping in the dark trying to find You, You light the way for me. Your abiding presence brings me comfort, for You are sovereign, in control. And You are aware.
Some days fear and uncertainty try to overtake me, making it harder to find You as I’m groping in the dark. My hand is fumbling, seeking the familiarity of Your touch.
On those days my thoughts have not been stayed on You, my eyes have focused on circumstances, my heart has not stood firm on Your Truth.
On those days I need You to find me cowering in the darkness.
I need for You to take my hand and lift me high above my enemy into Your marvelous light and love and grace. In my distress I need for You to be my peace.
Is Your heart breaking like mine?
I’m sure it must be. You see how far we have run from Your statutes and commands. You see the wicked one gaining ground in the hearts and minds of Your creation. Surely it grieves You, Lord, just like it does Your children.
Make us brave. Make us diligent in our pursuit of faith, tenacious in our stand for righteousness in the evil day in which we live.
Remind me of Your abiding presence. You are with us even in the darkness —especially in the darkness.
When we search for You — groping in the darkness for You — we will find You.
When we call out to You, You will hear us from heaven and respond. You are near. Always.
For it is IN You that we live and move and have our being. In You. Why is it so hard to grasp this truth?
Your Presence isn’t contingent on my attitude or behavior. It is contingent on Your promise to never leave us nor forsake us.
God is With Us, Especially in the Darkness
In the darkness, open our eyes to see the flicker of Your light drawing us to Your side. Let us feel the grasp of Your hand as You take hold and lead us back into the light. Strengthen our faith and the knowledge of Your grace. In the face of darkness, remind us that nothing can separate us from Your love.
When we can’t see, You will lead us.
When we can’t hear, You will show us.
When we can’t stand, You will carry us through to the other side.
You are the One True God, Maker of heaven and earth. You alone are worthy of our praise. From the ends of the earth, we will cry out to You and acknowledge You as Lord of all.
We love You, Lord. Blessed be Your holy Name.
In Jesus’s Name I pray,
Amen
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
