Articles
Dark Times
Some of the darkest days in American history were on Oct. 24th and 29th, 1929. Days are referred to as Black Thursday and Tuesday, respectively. Someone waking up and heading to work had no idea that they were about to experience such a disaster. Who knew the impact would be felt worldwide! This impact led to much bloodshed. The only light at the end of the tunnel happened to come from the darkness of a world war.
Darkness has occurred in one or another through the Scriptures. One can say the darkest day took place when Adam and Eve fell prey to their desires. When they chose to listen to the serpent, they allowed darkness or sin to enter their hearts and the world (cf. Rom. 5:12). Since then, creation has groaned (Rom. 8:22). They had the greatest blessing of being in the presence of true Light, God, but felt they were missing out on something more. Their actions brought about a curse or darkness that has persisted (cf. Gen. 3:17ff). Fortunately, hope was not lost.
Another biblical example of darkness of epic proportions occurred during the plagues of Egypt. The ninth plague brought darkness upon the land of Egypt. Moses gives us an intense description of what transpired. He wrote, “Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even a darkness which may be felt…and there was thick darkness in all the land of Egypt for three days” (Ex. 10:21f). Imagine living in such a place that it is impossible to see and no one can move. Amazingly, in this account, the LORD distinguishes between light and dark. He gave light to a portion of the land that housed the sons of Israel (V. 23). God gives a clear division between light and darkness.
Later in Scripture, the prophet Amos speaks of an event that would change the course of all history. He says, “It will come about in that day, declares the Lord God, that I will make the sun go down at noon and make the earth dark in broad daylight...And I will make it like a time of mourning for an only son, and the end of it will be like a bitter day” (Amos 8:9f). Here is a prophecy for the crucifixion of Christ. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) provide details for this world-altering event. Each mentions a period of darkness over all the land that lasted for three hours (cf. Matt. 27:45; Mk. 15:33; Lk. 23:44). Any onlooker would have to acknowledge the event as a supernatural phenomenon since this occurred during daylight hours. What would appear to be the darkest hours of humankind, this event would offer deliverance from the darkness. How ironic.
The LORD spoke of darkness and the necessity of leaving it behind. He used His servant Paul to express this sentiment with the following words, “…to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18). Paul shared the hope offered to all, but a problem exists, which Jesus spoke of during His earthly ministry. The LORD stated, “…men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (Jn. 3:19f).
Every day there is a worldwide war that is waging. A struggle between the forces of darkness and light. Sin and righteousness. Which side are we on? Hopefully, we are fighting on the LORD’s side. This doesn’t mean that there will not be dark times. Satan never lets up on his opponents. Consequently, spiritual battles are draining. Thankfully, God blesses us with the strength to endure Satan and his constant onslaught.
May we not let the dark times conquer our lives.
