In The Dark

Every now and then we allow Rachel to sleep in our room. She is so rolly-polly in the bed that one of us will end up sleeping in her room and one of us gets kicked and shoved all night. Usually me. I don't mind; there is something wonderfully innnocent and sweet about a sleeping child...even if their foot is in your backside!

Since I don't typically go to bed when she does, I leave on a tiny light for her while she is trying to go to sleep. When I come to bed, the light goes off. On our most recent "sleep over", she woke up when I came to bed and in a very frightened and worried voice asked where the light went. And I said, "Baby, you don't need the light; I'm right here beside you." She immediately squeezed my hand in the dark and went back to sleep. She was comforted enough by my presence to not mind the dark but to rest...knowing I would take care of her.

I'm sure you see the implications to our heavenly Parent. Sometimes God allows us just enough light for the step we're on. We get used to that light. It gives us comfort and security. And when the light goes out we think we're all alone. Perhaps we wonder if God has abandoned us in our darkest moment. When in reality, He has never been closer (as if He could ever get closer than He already is!). He is right beside us saying, "Baby, you don't need the light; I'm right here inside you."

Do you need to know that today? In your dark place, in the darkness you did not choose and was thrown on you, maybe...wherever you are at, you can rest assured that:

• God sees
• God knows
• God cares

and He whispers into your darkness, "Baby, I'm right here. Take My hand. I got you. You are never safer than when you are with Me. Just rest in My presence. I got you."