What if God has called you higher…into the darkness?

4 years ago today Covid was raging, but my heart was buried elsewhere -- in my children -- and the Lord wrote His word on my heart. With all of the storms lately, I have been thinking about this moment. This truly is one of my favorite memories in my relationship with the God of all creation, and in my life of writing. This storm was gloriously beautiful and it taught me so much about Him.

That day I needed to take a ride with just me and God. I needed to plead with Him, confess my fear, ask forgiveness for my need to control Him and everything around me, relinquish said control, and then praise Him from my gut for who HE IS!

But this process did not happen that quickly and/or that neatly. As it went, I decided to stop in my church’s parking lot. It seems like I can think and pray better there sometimes. As I sat there crying out in intervals of begging and praising, I watched the sky go from soft and bright to a bold, rolling darkness. This picture does not do it justice! The wind picked up and clouds were moving with authority, consuming the calm sky. At first, I was a little afraid, and then I remembered something I had read that very morning...

“Clouds and darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne.” Psalms‬ ‭97:2‬ ‭‬‬

This was the moment when the pitiful beg and half-hearted praise left my spirit, and the joyous uplifting set in. I was still ugly crying, mind you, but It was then that my whole heart remembered that God uses darkness. In fact, pain and sorrow, darkness and storms are a part of His miraculous tool kit, and in the moment His Sovereignty was regarded higher than my “needs”, I became free!! There was also a great warmth I felt from knowing that in God’s precious providence, He ordained the exact view of what I had read that morning.

This morning, you may have darkness surrounding you on all sides. Your heart may be battered, and you may feel as though your soul is wandering without aim. Sweet girl, God wants you to have a perspective that is outside of your frame of reference.

We have boxed God in to clear skies and perfect rainbows. We rush past the storms, and refuse to believe that the damage they cause may be a gift from God’s benevolent heart of refinement and/or protection. You may be at your very lowest point, but what if God has called you higher...into the darkness? There is a way to know...learn His character and pattern through His Word.

Start by reading Job 38-41, then let Psalm 97 and Psalm 103 be your prayers of praise for who God actually is Sovereign and Tender, Mighty and Present, Perfect and Patient. Use this music to help you make up your mind that you will be in worship today -- rain or shine -- because of the Hope that lives within you even in the darkest of nights!

"Then Job replied to the Lord: I know that you can do anything and no plan of yours can be thwarted. You asked, “Who is this who conceals my counsel with ignorance?” Surely I spoke about things I did not understand, things too wondrous for me to know. You said, “Listen now, and I will speak. When I question you, you will inform me.” I had heard reports about you, but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes." Job 42:1-6

"My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle."

Psalm 103:1-5

"The Lord reigns! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coasts and islands be glad. Clouds and total darkness surround him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him and burns up his foes on every side. His lightning lights up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the Lord—at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness; all the peoples see his glory. You who love the Lord, hate evil!...He protects the lives of his faithful ones; he rescues them from the power of the wicked. Light dawns for the righteous, gladness for the upright in heart. Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones, and give thanks to his holy name." Psalm 97:1-6, 10-12