Sunday Words of Encouragement September 24, 2023 - He is God of our Darkness.

I was out of town this weekend for a GFWC Florida convention in Orlando. My convention mate and I did attend the short and sweet meditation service this morning.

I am sharing notes from a Sunday School lesson a few weeks ago. Our ‘substitute’ Sunday School teacher shared a video message based on Psalm 88. The message was “How to Deal With Dark Times” by Pastor Tim Keller.
Summing up the lesson is to tell people that Jesus understands our pain.

The author (Heman the Ezrahite) of Psalm 88 cried out to the Lord from the pit, claiming “darkness is my closest friend”. Pastor Keller noted that darkness can last a long time. We live in a fallen world. Life is pain, not a rose garden. The message is realistic and merciful. Don't have false expectations.

There is no better place to learn of God's grace than the darkness. God wants us to be a witness for Him. He is in the moment. God knows how men speak when they are miserable. He understands.

There is no better place to become a person of greatness. Like the faithful servant, Job. Do we love God for who He is? This is not just transactional. Think of Samwise Gamgee at end of Lord of Rings... he is unflappable.

There is no better place and time to recognize the assurance of our Savior. Jesus took the wrath on himself. Darkness was His only friend.
Isaiah 43 tells us the Lord says: ‘you are my servant. I have redeemed you.’

Darkness is nothing the resurrection won't cure. Don't tell yourself a negative story. Continually give God a sacrifice of praise. He'll never forsake us. We are believers not feelers.

This song fits well with this message “Your Presence is a Promise”.

Verses for Today:
Psalm 88:1-2 (NIV)
1 Lord, you are the God who saves me;
day and night I cry out to you.
2 May my prayer come before you;
turn your ear to my cry.

Isaiah 43:1- 2 NIV
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
…
Isaiah 43:10-11
10 “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord,
“and my servant whom I have chosen,
so that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor will there be one after me.
11 I, even I, am the Lord,
and apart from me there is no savior.