A Shaft of Light in Darkness

Storm clouds have gathered. Looking up, Annie sees a angry, dark, and foreboding sky. She says to herself, “Whatever is coming can’t be good.”

As she looks around for shelter, a shaft of light breaks through the darkest cloud and shines directly upon a natural cave, a cleft in the hillside. 

Hurriedly she makes her way into it just as the rain begins. Lightning flashes and the peals of thunder causes her to recoil back into the cave. Carefully peering out, she sees torrents of rain coming down in wind blown sheets. With a deep sigh she quietly says to herself, “Thank God I’m safe. Thank God I saw this place.” Only then does she realize that she only saw it because of the shaft of light that broke through the clouds.

Have you, like Annie, found yourself surrounded by the dark foreboding clouds of life? Are you also seeking shelter from those storms of life? With the Lord there is always hope and a safe place. 

In the Bible, a man named David wrote,

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.
 He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” (2 Samuel 22:2-3 NLT)

Also, in the New Testament of the Bible,

A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road.  When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“My Rabbi,” the blind man said, “I want to see!”

And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road. (Mark 10:46-47, 51-52 NLT)

Yes, in times of trouble and despair I too turn to God, and without fail, he always protects and saves me. Though the rain comes and the wind blows, with lightning striking nearby, I will not fear. For the Lord will never forsake me. He is with us through the storm, keeping us safe until it passes. And it does pass. 

Jesus spoke these words,

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12 NLT)

So if you are like Annie and are looking straight into the storm clouds, look up for the shaft of light in the darkness. Jesus will guide you to safety. He will, and you will survive.

Copyright © Gene Markland, used with permission.