In the Dark

 

Photo by Derek Dye 2020

As we anxiously awaited the landfall of Hurricane Milton in Florida on October 9, my family and I were gathered around the TV in our living room, appreciating the knowledgeable, fully illustrated commentary of Denis Phillips, the meteorologist we consider most trustworthy. We huddled together comfortably in our warm, fuzzy robes and slippers, hearing the reassuring hum of the air conditioning, refrigerator, and air purifiers we had cranked up to keep the temperature low. We had anticipated that we might lose power, and it was unseasonably warm outside, even for Florida.

The motion sensor light outside the sliding glass door was constantly triggered by a hibiscus branch whipping about in the wind, illuminating the branch as if it were a floating cloud of plasma or ghostly apparition. Despite the storm raging outside, the familiar sight of our furnishings and autumn decorations helped us feel anchored in our surroundings and in the comforts of home.

After a few transient flickers and dimming of the lights, Denis suddenly stopped mid-sentence, the colorful radar map disappeared, and we lost all power. In an instant, we went from sensory overload to being in the dark. Now that the TV and appliances were off, and we couldn’t see outside, the sounds of every branch scraping or falling on the roof were magnified. Even the usual creaks in the house were amplified, taking on an ominous significance.

Thankfully, we had each other’s company, voices, and dim light and shadows cast by flashlights. Praise God, we discovered by the light of day that we had no structural damage to the house! But as I write this, eight days later, we are still without power and in the dark, at least at night. What a reminder not to take for granted all the many blessings God provides for us each day! (Ephesians 1:3). As the old saying goes, “What if we had today only those things we thanked God for yesterday?”

This experience of being in physical darkness brings to mind what it was like to be in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 6:12), before I knew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior by trusting in His death, burial and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15: 1-4) as the only Way to Heaven (John 14:6).

Without electricity, we stumble in dimly lit rooms, trip over even familiar objects, fuss over a can of Sterno for what seems like forever to heat a small cup of coffee, and try to coordinate our chores with whatever daylight is available in different rooms. We must be careful where we place our keys, flashlight or other necessary items, because if we forget, we are unlikely to spot them later! We are uncomfortable in the Florida heat and humidity, take cold (very brief!) showers, and read our Bible more, by flashlight, instead of watching TV (an unexpected blessing!).

Without the white noise generated by appliances, the silence is deafening. I can hear the Brownian motion, that strange vibration of air molecules colliding with one another. “Cleaning” in the dark is an adventure! Working by indirect daylight, I finally thought I had cleaned our glass-topped dining table, only to find more streaks and smudges as the sun changed its position relative to the window.

Before I was saved (Isaiah 45:22; John 3:17; 10:9; Acts 2:21; 4:12; 16:31; Romans 5:9-10; 10:9,13), I was lost, not knowing what direction my life should go, falling into the devil’s traps more often than not (2 Timothy 2:26; Ephesians 6:11), and wearing myself out by trying to do everything in my own flesh (Galatians 6:8), instead of relying on the One Who has infinite power, wisdom, and knowledge (Revelation 15:3; Psalm 139). I was never satisfied, even when things were going well by worldly standards.

Although well-educated and informed, I could not hear or understand Him, for preaching and Scripture seem foolish and antiquated to the unsaved (1 Corinthians 1:18-23). I kept seeking spiritual wisdom and learning about different religions, but I was never able to come to a knowledge of the truth (2 Timothy 3:7).  I was vaguely aware of my shortcomings, but when I tried to “clean up my act,” I lacked the spiritual discernment to know that only the shed blood of Jesus Christ can wash away my sins (Revelation 1:5).

When we had electric power, a simple flick of a switch or a pressed button lit up a room, cooled the house, cooked our food, or opened the gateway to knowledge and communication opportunities on the Internet. Now that I know the Light of the World (John 1:9), I am His light in the world (Matthew 5:14), and His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105). No matter what the ambient sounds, or lack thereof, I can hear His still, small voice guiding me (1 Kings 19:12), and I can be still in the raucous din of the world and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

But as we are reminded, electric power is fickle, and despite being instantly available when working, it is totally inaccessible when storms damage the lines or transformers. Praise God, His power is unlimited, instantaneous, and always immediately available 24/7 to His children who call on Him in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

We continue to pray for all those affected by the devastation of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and that power and Internet will be restored at our house, which we know is but a small need compared to what many others face. But God encourages us to bring all our prayer requests to Him, no matter how large or small, and we have faith that He is working all things together for our ultimate good and for His glory! (Romans 8:28).

We praise and thank Him for the safety of our family, loved ones, and church family and for preserving our homes. May those in physical darkness have electricity restored, and more importantly, may those in spiritual darkness come to know Him before it is too late! May we who are His light in the world let His Light reflect from us to others, so that they too may see, know and trust Him!

John 12:46: I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.

© 2024 Laurie Collett