During the extended hours of darkness each winter, depression can arise in the form of seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD. When the sun is suppose to shine, grey clouds sprinkled with an occasional flurry often dim the light of day until evening turns the sky black. Beyond these clouds and darkness, a promise is revealed within Luke 1:78-79.
In the silence of his vocal cords, Zechariah was given 9 months to consider the wonders of the Almighty God. Amidst this foggy period, a childless father and barren wife struggle with the reality that their joint prayers has gone unanswered by God. A stationary front hovers over their cries, dashing any hopes of seeing a lifelong dream come true. Just when age seemed to make this impossible, the Son broke through their darkness.
One of my favorite chapters in the Bible is Lamentations 3. Jeremiah writes about the hardship he endured in the first 20 verses of chapter 3. As bad as I thought my 2012 went, Jeremiah’s year appears to take the cake so to speak. Yet, like the promise of God’s tender mercy in Luke 1:78-79, there is hope beyond the clouds and darkness according to Lamentations 3:21-24.
One of the biggest mistakes Christian’s make is when they tell a hurting person they know exactly how this person is feeling or understand what they are going through. Each individual handles trials and tribulations differently. Thus, instead of opening up our big mouths, the best response is a silent hug, with open ears of support. In the shadow of death or fear of isolation, God’s tender mercy is just a prayer away. Once the clouds of darkness dissipate, God will guide your feet onto the path of peace. As Solomon once said, “God will make everything beautiful in His time,” Ecclesiastes 3:11.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 