Wednesday

Psalm 23:4-6 … the valley of the shadow of death
Isaiah 45:3 … treasures hidden in the darkness
Matthew 27:45-51 … why have you forsaken me
Luke 22:54-62 … Peter denies Jesus

As someone who has provided help and protection to others in my work as a police officer, I encountered many aspects of darkness, observed dark events and experienced dark emotions. These experiences affected my life mentally, emotionally and physically. However,faith and God’s guidance allowed meto accept outcomes, forgive myself and others.I learned to respect the dark and understood this would not last forever. Eventually the light would be revealed.

When my youngest daughter was small and uncertain of being alone and sleeping in the dark, I would look under her bed and in the closet to reassure her there were no scary ghosts or gremlins in her room. She would be comforted and fall asleep. When we are no longer children there are times when we enter dark places with trepidation and fear of unknown events or outcomes. At first we cannot see, but then our eyes adjust; we become bolder, learn to tread carefully, and continue knowing God is always with us in the dark or in the light.

There are times when dark is vital in our lives. My oldest sister experienced migraine headaches through adolescence into middle age. Sensitivity to light is a trigger for migraines and there were many times when she sought the refuge of a dark room. In the dark my sister found relief and restoration, and in the dark our almighty God is our helper and our comforter who never leaves us.

At 4:11 pm on August 14, 2003, the biggest power failure to strike North America occurred and 10 million people in Ontario and 40 million people in the U.S. were affected. Night came and there was darkness, chaos, difficulties, and even death. Millions of people took to the streets in the dark and then incredibly goodness, unity and love prevailed. People directed traffic, neighbours banded together to help those in need, strangers became friends, friendships were renewed, children were born by candlelight, and some people saw stars for the first time. It is amazing how often in the dark we see God working more clearly.

In the book of Genesis on the first day God made light from darkness. Psalm 23 reminds us not to be afraid of the dark “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”

1. Austin

For Reflection and Journaling:

1. When have I found comfort in the darkness?
2. Where have I been aware of God’s presence in the dark?

Meditative Prayer:

Loving God, you designed, planned and created me. When I am in the dark, you are with me.
Help me to tread carefully, respecting the dark and finding comfort with you as my guide. Amen.

Week of Guided PrayerNetwork, Western Ontario Waterways Region, The United Church of Canada, 2018.