We often try to hide to prevent something from happening. Why is that?
I can remember as a young boy hiding behind the kitchen counter to sing songs I had written to my supper audience. That hiding was from being bashful, which I overcame as I grew older, singing and speaking in front of many.
I can remember another time when I was much older driving too fast and a police car pulled out behind me, causing me to turn from my destination into a neighborhood to hide.
I know what those who really know me must be saying right now…you did what? Confession is good for the soul right? I really don’t think he was after me, but the thought of it made me kick into hiding mode. I’ve never done that again!
What about the kind of hiding to protect your life? Now that’s something I’ve not experienced. Perhaps you have, I hope not.
There is an interesting story of David hiding in a cave from King Saul who was trying to kill him. You see, David had everything going for him. He was even anointed to become king after Saul and it made Saul jealous. So jealous that, he wanted to get rid of David and his fame so that the people would give their loyalty and attention to him.
Let’s pick up on David’s conversation with God while hiding in a dark place from Saul…
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy! I look to you for protection. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until the danger passes by. I cry out to God most High, to God who will fulfill His purpose for me. He will send help from heaven to rescue me, disgracing those who hound me. My God will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness” Psalm 57:1-3
David’s present condition was not good, especially his surroundings. The closest thing to a cave that I’ve been in has been the Linville Caverns in the NC mountains. If David’s cave was anything like that , then it was cold, cramped, uncomfortable, and very dark. Though his conditions were not favorable, he was seeking the benefit of the darkness to save his life.
Darkness is an unusual place to be associated with benefiting from, isn’t it? Typically it’s something we prefer to stay away from. We relate darkness to sin or evil, especially in the spiritual realm. We relate darkness to night. We relate it as a time of not being able to see as well. Sometimes we can’t see at all.
What if darkness is necessary at times in order to find our future plans with God?
I can be a bit imaginative at times. I wonder if David said anything like this…man, I’m so in danger of losing my life right now. Hey, I think I’ll just sit down here in the dark and write a song that God will plan to place in His word for millions to read and be used to encourage people all around the world. Yep..that’s what I’m going to do!
When my reality kicks back in, I feel more confident that David was miserable but yet….from one of David’s darkest moments, God hears the cry of a man that poured out his heart and from his heart birthed a psalm.
“Sometimes things are dark not because He is far away but because He is so close.” The Shadow of His Wings – Corrie Ten Boon
The wings of God creates shadows. Those shadows create hiding places. What looks uninviting to the human eye and mind sometimes are the exact places that God needs for us to go to obtain what He wishes for us to have.
David hides underneath the shelter of the Father’s wings in a dark cave until the danger passes. By doing that, God fulfills His purpose in David.
God has uncomfortable ways of fulfilling His purpose at times for you and me.
My mind goes back to other dark places that I’ve encountered with lessons attached. I can remember two experiences of darkness that were unusual.
There’s a B&B that Annette and I like to visit often. When returning from dinner, we ran into the thickest fog we nor the Innkeeper had ever seen. It was very strange because it had not been cloudy or rainy that evening. Fog in and of itself is not too bad. Mix it with having to go back to the B&B down a long, one lane, very narrow, and winding gravel road makes it a challenge.
Oh, let’s add one more factor…the road had a drop off on one side. Now you combine all of these elements together and you have a very dark place that we did not like being in at the time. It took us twice as long to get back… going 5 miles an hour with Annette hanging out the window screaming and praying out loud..(guess which side of the road she was on)!
Sometimes the dark places or shadows appear more like a fog. It’s like we can see just a tiny bit ahead, when we would really like to see much further.
Often we wish that the fog would lift sooner in our lives so we can find out where to go next. We can see a glimpse of a new direction but for some reason, we just can’t see the full picture. We don’t like waiting.
While waiting, God very well could be saying…I have you in a fog for a purpose. Your mind cannot handle nor process My full plan for you at this time. You only need to see enough ahead of you for this week, this day, this hour, this very minute. Depend on Me. I will clear the fog and give you clear vision on My pace when it is right for you.
Another unusual experience with darkness came about one summer while at the beach. I have a picture of this one. Sorry, I did not have one of the caverns nor fog. The caverns were, ahh..too dark…go figure. The fog…let’s just say I was a bit too busy trying not to drive off a cliff!
As scary as this scene might appear, there was a very calm wind and short rain that brought a cooling to the afternoon. It was quite a pleasant memory. From that occurrence, God gives us this word.
Just as it takes the dark storm clouds to come in order to send the rain, the storm you are going through is required for you to experience the rain I am going to pour down upon you. My rain contains ALL of the unlimited resources that you need in your life.
The dark clouds are not pretty. The dark clouds are not desired. The dark clouds bring uncertainty as it relates to the magnitude of the storm.. but, I AM YOUR GOD. I am sending My rain upon you by means of the dark clouds. Receive it now……. pour it down Lord, soak me.
“And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness – secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the One who calls you by name”
Isaiah 45:3
Treasures hidden in the darkness.
Whether it be a cave, fog, or clouds, God can and will use unusual places for our benefit. He will send forth His unfailing love and faithfulness. Be on the lookout. The place you are in just might create the next book for millions to read and be encouraged by, just like David.
Lingering Thoughts:
God says I have not left you. I’m with you in your darkest and most uncomfortable moments. Cry out to Me and I’ll hear you.
The fog you are in is my covering over you. I desire you to depend on Me. I’ll give you enough to see what you need to see while I hold your hand through the dark.
The cloud hanging over your head is going to produce rain. That rain will be flowing from My throne in heaven. It will bring provision for you like never before. It contains all of my unlimited resources in order to give you an abundant life.
Oh My child, do you not see it? My darkness will create your brightest victory. For it draws you closer to Me and when you are close to Me you will find everlasting joy.
Photos by JS