Good Darkness
Do you look forward to the longer nights? Or do you dread them? Do you enjoy the dark? Or is it gloomy for you?
Darkness is often perceived as something bad or negative, understandably so. In the dark you can’t see the road as well, or the step down. Dark is where bad people hide to do their evil deeds. The air is colder in the dark. Strange noises come out of the dark, making us scared. We can also experience darkness inside. Dark thoughts occasionally enter our minds. With less daylight we can become gloomy and even experience depression.
The Bible mentions:
- rebellion against God is a result of a darkened mind (Romans 1:21, Ephesians 4:18)
- evil deeds and evil spiritual forces are associated with the dark (John 3:19, Ephesians 6:12)
- eternal separation from God is described as darkness (Matthew 8:12, Jude 1:13)
- Jesus experienced that full darkness on the cross (Matthew 27:45-46)
But the Bible also presents a more positive view of the dark. At the creation of the universe God created light, but also darkness. Both day and night, light and dark, were very good (Genesis 1). Adam and Eve were not scared of the dark.
Psalm 139:11-12 describes what darkness is like to God. For God, there is no difference between daytime and nighttime. God does not have – nor does he need – an eye, a retina, an optic nerve. God perceives everything directly … no need for photons. Nothing is hidden from God. This is a great comfort for the Psalmist and for all of us. As a young boy this became real to me on the farm. We did not have indoor plumbing, so just before bedtime, the boys would go out behind a tree. One time I had to go all by myself. It was dark! All around me were different noises. Then I remembered that God is everywhere, including right here in the dark, and I was no longer scared.
We are also told that at the end of human history, Jesus will come back and bring in the new heaven and new earth. In the new earth the darkness will no longer be feared. God himself will be the glowing presence everywhere, even in the night (Revelation 21:23). The darkness of sin and the curse of evil will no longer be present (Revelation 22:3-5).
So what do we do if the darkness becomes oppressive? Here are some thoughts:
- Physically we need to take care of ourselves, try to expose ourselves to some sunlight, and take vitamin D. The longer nights could be a reminder to slow down and get extra sleep.
- Mentally and emotionally, we may go through some dark times. We may need to get professional counseling. We could also remind each other that we are cared and loved, that God is doing a wonderful work in each of our lives.
- Spiritually, Christians can go through a “dark night of the soul,” as spiritual advisors call it. Mother Teresa experienced this for 50 years. God is silent and seems distant and uncaring. We can go back to Psalm 139 and many other passages. We hear the promise of God that he will never leave us or forsake us. He will carry us though.
I’d enjoy hearing your ideas about the dark and how to deal with it. Let me conclude with a paraphrase of 2 Corinthians 4:6 – May God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” may he make his light shine in your hearts to give you the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.
John Gorter
Interim Pastor
