Imagine for a moment waking up to the bright sun rising over the horizon – illuminating the darkness of the night. I know what you are thinking here. You are thinking, of course, there is no need to imagine anything, I’ve seen it before. Now imagine waking to a beautiful morning however everything in your mind is still shrouded in darkness. Not darkness in the physical sense; but mental tiredness.
God Never Promised an Easy Ride for Christians
This may come as a shock to some but God never promised that our walk with Christ would be an easy one. On the contrary, He has told us several times in the Bible to expect trials and hardship. Here is just a small sampling of verses I picked out from James, 1 Peter, and Job.
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. - James 1:2-4 (HCSB) You are being protected by God’s power through faith for a salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:5-8 (HCSB) For distress does not grow out of the soil, and trouble does not sprout from the ground. But mankind is born for trouble as surely as sparks fly upward. - Job 5:6-7 (HCSB)
And check this out – Jesus literally guaranteed in John 16 that we will have suffering.
Jesus responded to them, “Do you now believe? Look: An hour is coming, and has come, when each of you will be scattered to his own home, and you will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” - John 16:31-33
So Where Does the Darkness Come From?
In his hymn “Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” Martin Luther wrote that “our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe“. Additionally, Luther opined: “And though this world, with devils filled“. And in Revelation 20:2, John wrote So the darkness comes from ‘our ancient foe’, that ancient serpent who is the Devil and Satan – Revelation 20:2a (HCSB)
I take great solace in knowing that one day my mental anguish, pain, and depression will not only be taken from me but also wiped away from my memory for an eternity to come.
It is I who sweep away your transgressions for My own sake and remember your sins no more. - Isaiah 43:25 (HCSB)
So in closing this week’s musing, please remember that despite your troubles, take heart because Jesus has overcome sin. And regardless of the problems that Satan puts in our path, we know that God has already won. We may end up with a few dents and dings along the way, but God will come through.
I will leave you with this old Southern Gospel song named I’ve Read the Back of the Book. Check out the lyrics from the chorus.
'Cause I've read the back of the book and we win. I've read the back of the book and we win, No more livin' in darkness we'll be living at home with Him. You see there's no need to worry about it if you're born again. I've read the back of the book and we win. © J. Douglas Music
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If you made it this far, please consider commenting below, subscribing, and also sharing on your social media sites. Most importantly, I ask for your prayers. I write this weekly blog as an outlet in my fight against depression. However, my hope is that something I write here may help others who may be struggling. If you would like to help with my battle against depression, check out my online Etsy store and affiliate links. Most proceeds are donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you or someone you know may be contemplating suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by dialing 988. You may also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. In emergencies, call 911, or seek care from a local hospital or mental health provider.