What does "darkness around Him" reveal about God's nature and presence? Setting the Scene “Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” (Psalm 97:2) King David paints a picture of the LORD enthroned in glory, yet veiled in thick darkness. Far from implying evil, this darkness conveys layers of truth about who God is and how He relates to His people. Why Darkness? • Mystery of His Infinite Being – Exodus 20:21: “So the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.” – The darkness signals that God’s essence can never be fully grasped by finite minds. It invites awe, not doubt. • Protective Concealment – 2 Samuel 22:12: “He made darkness a canopy around Him— a gathering of water and thick clouds.” – The darkness serves as a shield for human frailty; unfiltered glory would consume mortal flesh (Exodus 33:20). • Righteous Judgment – Psalm 97:2 continues: “righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” – The surrounding gloom underscores His role as Judge, from whose verdicts none can hide (Hebrews 4:13). • Holy Separation – 1 Kings 8:12: “The LORD said He would dwell in thick darkness.” – By cloaking Himself, God marks the line between Creator and creation, calling for reverent worship. Light Hidden — Not Absent • God Is Light in Himself – 1 John 1:5: “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” – Darkness surrounds Him, yet does not reside in Him. The contrast magnifies His purity. • Revelation in the Midst of Darkness – Isaiah 45:3: “I will give you the treasures of darkness… so that you may know that I am the LORD.” – Even when God seems hidden, He is revealing grace, wisdom, and provision to those who seek Him. Practical Takeaways • Approach with Reverence – God’s veiled glory reminds us to worship with holy fear and sincere humility (Hebrews 12:28-29). • Trust When He Seems Hidden – Seasons of spiritual “darkness” do not signal His absence. They often precede deeper revelation and deliverance (Psalm 18:11-12). • Seek the Light of Christ – John 1:18: “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son… has made Him known.” – Jesus pierces the darkness, granting believers bold access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). Conclusion The “darkness around Him” is a divine cloak that both humbles and invites. It proclaims His unsearchable majesty, protective mercy, uncompromising justice, and the brilliant light that waits to be unveiled through faith in His Son. |
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