Best Light in the Dark

“When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
    the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
    and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
    and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
    you have put all things under his feet.” Psalm 8:3-6

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
    Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements—surely you know!
    Or who stretched the line upon it?
On what were its bases sunk,
    or who laid its cornerstone,
when the morning stars sang together
    and all the sons of God shouted for joy?..

“Where is the way to the dwelling of light,
    and where is the place of darkness,
that you may take it to its territory
    and that you may discern the paths to its home?

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades
    or loose the cords of Orion?
Can you lead forth the Mazzaroth in their season,
    or can you guide the Bear with its children?
Do you know the ordinances of the heavens?
    Can you establish their rule on the earth?” Job 38:4-7,19-20,31-33

“He who made the Pleiades and Orion,
    and turns deep darkness into the morning
    and darkens the day into night,
who calls for the waters of the sea
    and pours them out on the surface of the earth,
the Lord is his name.” Amos 5:8

David and Amos, both shepherds, and Job, who owned many flocks, were well familiar with the night sky. Spending long hours outside in changing light and varied seasons accustomed them to contemplate secrets of the dark. Constellations and planets were bright, shifting by days and arcing with passing hours. The more they looked, the more time spent, the greater their wonder over the Lord, His infinite majesty, sustaining power, incredible love.

In the dark, in the quiet, we see and hear more than we do in the cacophony of daylight and distraction. Whether in silence when all else is paused, or the bleakness of pain, sorrow, or longing, light for the spirit is brilliant in darkness. More of the invisible God, more wonder, more Spirit-conviction and inspiration, deeper comfort- all arrive as gifts on long moments of meditation.

What is my normal response to darkness? Am I prone to allow terror of the unknown, or avoid what I cannot know and control? Do I prefer visible and audible entertainment over cherishing the dark the Lord has given? How might I still my soul and search for the treasures of light in the midst of the darkness?

As a single light is more noticeable in darkness, a faceted jewel more brilliant against black cloth, a single note or melody more clear in silence, so the Lord designed treasures of darkness for His beloved children. Are we looking, watching, wondering? The longer we gaze at a night sky, the more twinkling we see, the more palpable His love and our awe. Oh, may we, in any darkness, set our eyes on Jesus to behold His beauties and splendor! (Isaiah 45:3)

My Lord, draw me close in spirit to see You and all You expose, enhance, and clarify in the dark, to Your glory and praise.