SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1277

“In a Dark Place”

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:5

There are several categories of dark places that we face every day: Physical, Spiritual, and Emotional.

Physical Dark Place: Dark alleys; The Dark Web; Seedy establishments, both physical and virtual: bars, drug dens, web sites, etc. are all places to avoid.

I recall being assigned shore patrol duty when in port. I hated having to venture into the dark alleys of the ‘gut’ of a port city seeking out incapacitated sailors that needed to be brought back safely to the ship. Nothing good happens in dark alleyways.

…The dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. – Psalm 74:20

We have a choice whether to venture into the dark places of this world. Having accepted salvation through Jesus we must deny our flesh and say ‘No’ to its desire to venture into the dark places of temptation.

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. – 1 John 1:6; Ephesians 5:11

Spiritual Dark Place: We are all born in spiritual darkness and in need of salvation through faith in Jesus.

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son – Colossians 1:13

For at one time, you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light; For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. – Ephesians 5:8; 2 Samuel 22:29

Again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

Emotional Dark Place: This is probably the most insidious attack of the enemy upon our society. Satan is the prince of darkness and of the power of the air and he methodically poisons the minds of the vulnerable with hopelessness and despair.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. – Ephesians 6:12

None of us are immune to experiencing a dark place in our minds. A “dark place” in a person’s mind refers to a state of deep emotional distress, depression, and anxiety. It is characterized by inner turmoil, sadness, or hopelessness and suicidal thoughts.

Solomon, Elijah, and Job all experienced this emotional dark place.

So, I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me… – (Solomon) Ecclesiastes 2:17

…he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” – (Elijah) 1 Kings 19:4

…He asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” – Jonah 4:8

All three men were brought out of their dark place by the light of the Word of God.

Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path; The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – Psalm 119:105; John 1:5

The most vulnerable among us today, however, is Gen Z. Our youth and young adults under age 25 are experiencing the highest rate of depression and suicide mortality that we have ever seen.

Gen Z’s are the most technologically connected generation yet are the most isolated and lonely, making them vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. We, the church, must be prepared and available to be used by God in reaching this generation and others experiencing a dark place in their minds.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

I dare say that we all have been touched directly or indirectly by suicide. How prepared are we to help those in that dark state of mind? How solidly are we grounded in the light of the Word of God to share ‘the Light that dispels darkness’? We cannot give what we do not have. How available are we to be used by God in the divine appointment He set up for us to minister His love and hope to those in a dark state of mind?

Be available. Are we too busy to notice those around us who are hurting? Are we too busy to be available? Ask them how they are feeling and where they are emotionally. Get that ‘penny for their thoughts’ and listen without judgement.

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ; And we urge you, brothers… encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. – Galatians 6:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Listen and be there for them. Don’t be quick to speak. People in a dark state of mind do not care how much you know until they know how much you care. Continue to ask and listen and pray silently for the Holy Spirit to speak to their heart and mind. Let them talk. They will ask when they are ready to receive anything from you. Be ready in season to bring the Light of the Word of God into that dark place.

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. – 2 Timothy 4:2

Keep them safe. Stay with them. Help them connect with help resources and be available to follow up with them.

If you are reading this devotional and are in a dark state of mind, there is help for you. You are not alone. There is hope and a future in Jesus for you. There is love for you in Jesus. There is forgiveness and righteousness for you through Jesus.

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:17-18

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

Don’t let the enemy cloud your mind. Focus on the light of God’s Word.

Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. – Colossians 3:2

Some resources for help:

National Hopeline Network: 1-800-422-HOPE (4673)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

To Write Love on Her Arms: http://twloha.com/find-help

Befrienders.org: http://www.befrienders.org/directory

May the light of the Living Word of God guide your steps, light your path, dispel the darkness of this world, and fill your heart and mind with the Hope of eternal life through Jesus in the coming New Year.

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;

The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. – Numbers 6:24-26

Happy New Year!