Feeling Darkness

Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, a darkness to be felt." (Exodus 10:21 ESV)

Did you ever notice that verse's last word before?

Chances are you've seen Charlton Heston's portrayal of Moses in The Ten Commandments. As God sent plagues over Egypt, the ninth plague ushered in darkness over the land.

But this darkness could be felt.

Darkness is simply the absence of light. It's not an object or person.

Darkness is a place.

Darkness is a feeling.

With eyesight ineffective, other senses become heightened.

And they can play tricks on us.

Sometimes voices distort. We're not sure if we're hearing God or the enemy.

Finding our bearings proves nearly impossible unless we've anchored deep in the bedrock of God Himself.

When dark storms toss and turn our boat of security, it's too late to throw the anchor.

We're at the mercy of the wind and waves. Anchoring deep prevents us from going adrift.

Anchoring to God means that light will return. His light.

Isn't it interesting that darkness was the ninth plague? The plagues against the Egyptians increased incrementally with each one as God orchestrated the release of His people from bondage. Each plague more harsh than the one before.

The tenth plague was death.

Darkness preceded death.

Darkness is oppressive because we can't see anything familiar. No landmarks.

If we're not anchoring deep, we'll go down with the ship.

Maybe not physically, but perhaps emotionally, and certainly spiritually.

If you're walking through a season of darkness, anchor deep in the truth of His promises to bring good out of every situation.

Darkness can be felt.

But so can God's amazing presence within it.

"He uncovers mysteries hidden in darkness; He brings light to the deepest gloom." (Job 12:22 NLT)

How do you handle dark seasons of life? What wisdom or experience can you share?
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