I have personal experience with being in dark places. I’m sure you have too.
For this week's devotional, I’m sharing an excerpt from my current book that I’m hoping to have published. This portion of the story is one of the reasons I have called these emails Sydney’s Devotionals. My character Sydney has experience with God showing up for her… even saving her life. Maybe you have too. I know I have.
From: My First, My Only (working title) by Tessa Burns
Sydney took a deep breath. “I have PTSD, anxiety disorder, and depression.” Ryan’s eyes widened with each word. “It has taken me to some dark places. I have to work to stay on top of it all. I found a system that works most of the time. Running mainly. If I miss even a day, I can start taking a dive.”
“Like clockwork,” Ryan mumbled.
“Yeah, like clockwork,” Sydney repeated, “I hate taking medication, it fogs my brain. Makes it harder to have my sharp wit.” She gave a half-hearted chuckle. “When it gets bad, I have horrible nightmares. I can’t get out of bed, or leave the house, it’s hard to eat, and at my worst, I even tried to…” she focused on a spot on the ceiling, “I OD’d about 3 years ago. After…” she swirled her hand above her abdomen. “I was home alone. I was tired of acting tough for everyone. Mama and Blake mostly. They thought I was okay, but I was losing it.
Miraculously, Mama found me on the floor and called 911. She said she had a sixth sense that day. Like the Holy Spirit was telling her I needed her. She got here, in time. I guess after that something happened. I finally started believing God wanted me here… loved me. I haven’t felt that dark since. Not that I don’t feel it sometimes. But… the dark doesn’t get to me the same way.
You know the verse, ‘Even the dark is light to Him’?”
Sydney was going to that place. The atmosphere was buzzing with electricity, Ryan recognized it as her God place. Somehow, she was taking him there too.
I would like to encourage you to remember: Nothing is too dark, too untouchable for God. 1 John 1:5 (ESV) says: “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” If He is present (and He is, because He is everywhere) then there is nothing so dark that He can’t see and respond and shine His light.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4 (ESV)
Take a moment to consider how God has seen into your darkness and shone His light and give Him thanks.
