17 November 2021   Devotion for Today “Alone in the Darkness”  Mark 1: 35-39

35 “Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” 38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.”

39 And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons.”  Mark 1:35-39

I first read this Scripture long before the sun came up this morning.   I did not sleep well last night.  I haven’t slept well for several nights since 

my mother passed.  Those of you who are grieving, you know what I am talking about.   My legs also ache and I have to get up and move about to restore circulation.   Those of you over 60 you know what I am talking about as well.   I rose early and got alone with Jesus.   Its in these times I realize I am not really alone, even on a dark night.  It is easy in the darkness to feel confused, afraid, lonely, angry, even bitter.   Many are wondering around in the darkness not knowing where they are.  This has nothing to do with the lacking of the Sun.  Some have also felt that Jesus has turned His back on them, and forsaken them.   I have felt this way at times.  This is when I need to remember that Jesus is in the darkness, too.   Jesus was there when the disciples were in the fishing boat when they saw their Master walking on the water.  Jesus was in the darkness in the midst of His own temptation.  Even at His crucifixion, on the darkest day there ever was- Jesus was there, feeling abandoned, forsaken, in great darkness- enduring this for us. 

One thing comes to mind in spite of the darkness.  Jesus stayed through the darkness until the sun came up.  He was there to greet the sun as it came up over Him- the original Creator of it.  If Jesus endured the night and all the darkness with it, He will emerge into the light, and carry you into it.

In my prayer time I remembered a song we sang at last night’s worship rally at another church.  When I called it to mind, I sang it in praise to the One who will never leave me or forsake me:

Light of the world You stepped down into darkness,  

Opened my eyes, let me see

Beauty that made this heart adore You

Hope of a life spent with You

Here I am to worship… (Chris Tomlin)

Are you feeling “in the darkness” today.   Call upon Jesus.   He’s been up long before you.   Have a blessed day!