“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, ‘let there be light’ and there was light. And God saw the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness…” (Genesis 1:1-31 ESV)
… I was going to do some studying and found myself procrastinating… So, decided to take full advantage of procrastination and do some writing – which was really praying. I didn’t really know what to pray into, my situation hasn’t changed (besides my resignation – yes that happened.) But my prayers are the same – even my prayers for the world and friends and family have not changed much either. In short, I felt like I was repeating myself. So, I gave God praise and thanks for bringing me into a new day – I thanked him for the light that we have in the world to prevent darkness from taking over. None the less, as I was praying, the Holy Spirit took over, as He often does and this is what came out and felt it needed to be shared… But first as a little aside, the bible often refers to darkness as everything that is evil, corrupt, and sinful in the world and without God (essentially). However, in this context, I came to know that the darkness that is referred in the writing below, is about the troubles we have in this life. It is the kind of darkness that is associated with uncertainty and troubles we are faced with in life. Jesus himself said, that in this life we will not be without trouble. It is an expected thing, but He will give us a sense of peace that will overcome those troubles – that will surpass all understanding.… He – Jesus is the light that hovers over our darkness…
Without further ado, this is what was written:
“… Light shines to prevent us from being in complete darkness. We are never truly in darkness. In these moments, there is always a little bit of light – the light from the moon and stars – the light that leaks under the crack of a closed door. There is always a source of light. There is always a little bit of light… unless you are in a dark room intended for (photo) development…
There is a season for both. There is a season for both – there may be times where you think you are in complete darkness – but your eyes adjust and you can see – but still, in that space there are pockets of light – pockets of hope.
Then there’s a season where you are plunged into a darkroom. In this season you cannot see – no matter the length of time you try to allow your eyes to adjust – but here you need to rely on other senses – sense of touch, your hearing, memory – your memory acts like a map location of the room – you even have to go at a slower pace – so you don’t stub your toe, so you don’t drop the film and the film can be unwound, removed from the camera and placed into a cannister to be taken into the developing room. Here you will fumble. Here care needs to be taken – so the thing you are holding on to is not dropped into complete darkness. Then you will be forced to search the room – until you find it. If you find it. The dark room requires careful precision – to allow for the development process to happen.
Development takes time.
Development takes time. It is not instant.
It is not instant.
But in here – the development room – the light is different.
There is light but it is different. It is subtle – it is gentle – because this development process needs gentility – it cannot be rushed if you want to develop the best pictures. It cannot be done in full or harsh light – this light is gentle and humble – just as you are – gentle and humble. You may scoff at this, but your greatest strength is your humbleness and your gentleness. The world is loud and makes a lot of noise, but your gentleness is a great and revered strength.
Do not allow the world to steal your gentle and humble nature – do not conform to the ways of the world. Do not listen when they say you’re not enough or that you lack confidence because you are not loud enough or don’t make enough noise in this world. The world is noisy enough – the world is loud enough… You are in the world, but you are not of the world. You do not need to be like the world.
You are enough. You are enough just as you are – you lack nothing. Do not let the world steal your nature – keep your heart soft. Forgive – for your heart – not for the benefit of those that hurt you. Forgive – you do not need to let them back into your life – just forgive them for your heart. The world will say, this is unforgivable but… Gently, I say, just forgive them for your heart and continue to love – never stop loving.
Never stop hoping.
Never stop dreaming.
Never stop laughing and finding joy.
Never stop.
Keep persevering.
Keep going.
Keep going.
If you’re in the darkroom waiting to be developed, preparing for development – here, you’ll be getting ready – to remove the film and transfer it to the cannister. Be careful in here and remember your other senses will be heightened – use them.
If you are in the dark room and ready to be developed – in here the light will be different – the light is softer – it changes how things look – you may not see the images clearly – until you are taken out of the dark room into the light of day. There you will see the work that has happened while you were in the dark room – and the images will be perfectly crafted. Whichever stage of development you’re in, take care – this stage calls for a change of pace – no need to rush. No need to rush – even if you feel a sense of urgency to get through the development process – it’s ok but go at your own pace. You may need to take more care – but you will get there.
Stay humble. Stay gentle – do not let the world steal this from you – especially when you may not look or sound like the rest of the world. Keep going my love.
Keep going, my love is with you.
My love is with you. My love is with you. My love is with you.
My light is with you. My light is with you. My light is with you…”
God’s love and light is with you. Jesus is with you. Jesus is God’s light and love, and He is with you. God hovers over the darkness, He will guide you, protect and sustain you. He is always with you and will always provide a source of light. God was there at the beginning – hovering over the face of darkness. He created light – and separated the light from the darkness. Just as He will separate you from the darkness of your troubles with His love and light.
Remember this:
…When I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness; the Lord will be a light to me (Michah 7:8 ESV)… For it is you who lights my lamp; the lord my God lightens my darkness (Psalm 18:28 ESV)…
… The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So, then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of light (Romans 13:12 ESV)… (and then you will know where you’re going) … Jesus said to them, ‘the light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may becomes sons of light’ (John 12: 35 ESV)… I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness (John 12:46)… And I will lead the blind in a way they do not know, in a path that they have not known I will guide them. I will turn the darkness before them into light, the rough places into level ground. These are the things I do and I do not forsake them (Isaiah 42:16 ESV)…
… In this life, we will have troubles – we may find ourselves plunged into darkness, but we will have peace. We will not be forsaken, and we have access to a great source of light and hope – Jesus.
…Thank you, Jesus, for your great light in the darkness. Thank you, Father God, for your love and your light through Jesus – thank you for separating the darkness from the light. Thank you for giving us a source of light – so when we are in the night – it is never completely dark. Thank you for dark – for without the dark we would not have access to the light. I will say that again – thank you for the dark – for without it, we would not have your light. Thank you for hovering over the darkness – thank you for never leaving us in the dark. Thank you for guiding us – for making us slow down so we do not drop that thing you want us to develop in the dark room. Thank you for your gentle and humble light. Thank you – thank you for Jesus – I cannot thank you enough for your light and love. You are worthy of all the praise and glory – for all the magnificent things you do, have done and will continue to do.
Thank you, Lord, – my heart is yours and I surrender it you – so you may transform it in the dark room. I may not be able to see your work clearly, but I know when I step out into the light of day, I will be able to see the exquisitely crafted images you have created in me. I cannot wait to see your work.… Continue to lead, guide, and transform the blind. Continue to hover over the darkness and separate the light from the dark… (Oh, my heart aches and swells at your goodness and faithfulness…) In Jesus’ glorious name I pray, amen. Amen. Amen.
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Elizabeth New
2021
gentlymused.wordpress.com 