What practical steps can we take when feeling "darkness" as our closest friend? Scripture Spotlight “You have removed my beloved and friend from me; darkness has become my companion.” (Psalm 88:18) Facing the Raw Reality Psalm 88 is the darkest psalm in the Psalter: no quick resolution, no bright closing. Yet the psalmist still cries to “the God of my salvation” (v. 1). Scripture never hides bleak nights; it meets them head-on and gives us a road map through them. Practical Steps When Darkness Feels Like Our Closest Friend • Speak honestly to God – Follow the psalmist’s pattern: pour out the pain without editing (Psalm 88:3-7). – He who numbers our hairs can handle our raw words (Psalm 139:1-4). • Keep the dialogue going day and night – “Day and night I cry out before You” (Psalm 88:1). – Persistent prayer keeps the line to heaven unclogged (Luke 18:1). • Anchor your heart to God’s character, not your emotions – “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). – Feelings shift; God’s nature never does (Malachi 3:6). • Trace the gospel thread through the darkness – Jesus echoed Psalm 22 in His own midnight: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:34). – Because He entered our darkness, He leads us out (Hebrews 4:15-16). • Flood the mind with light-giving Scripture – “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). – Memorize verses like Romans 8:38-39; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Psalm 30:5. • Stay connected to the body of Christ – Mutual encouragement keeps us from hardening in isolation (Hebrews 3:13). – Allow trusted believers to pray, listen, and, if needed, carry practical burdens (Galatians 6:2). • Practice light-bearing habits – Sing psalms and hymns, even softly (Acts 16:25). – Keep Sabbath rhythms of rest and worship (Exodus 20:8-11). – Step outside for sunlight and movement; the body and soul travel together (1 Kings 19:5-8). • Serve someone else – Acts of mercy reorient the gaze outward and affirm that God still works through you (Philippians 2:4). • Hold fast to the promise of dawn – “Weeping may stay the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). – The resurrection guarantees a sunrise beyond every night (1 Peter 1:3-4). Living It Out Darkness may feel like the only companion, yet the Word assures us that the Light is closer still. Keep crying out, keep clinging to Scripture, keep leaning on the church, and keep looking to the risen Christ. His dawn is certain. |
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