When I Walk in the Dark ShadowsSample

All of us go through times of darkness, and those times can be frightening. Darkness is often marked by God's intimate dealings with his children.

Darkness comes in different ways. First, it is caused by the evil one, and when we rebuke it, it disappears. The devil's darkness can and should be rebuked, but darkness from God cannot be rebuked.

Second, there is a darkness that comes because of sin. Only repentance and confession of that sin will drive out the darkness.

Third, darkness is caused by difficult or unmanageable situations, as well as the influence, opinions, and words of people. Darkness disappears when God, His presence, His words, and His will become a greater reality and when the words and opinions of people become irrelevant.

Fourth, there is a darkness that is marked by the total absence of God’s presence. The same darkness occurred when Jesus was crucified and the skies were darkened for three hours. The darkness continued in the grave for three days.

Finally, there is a darkness that comes from the shadow of His hand (Ps.17:8), which is a manifestation of His presence. The rest of this reading plan deals with this darkness. God's darkness is the shadow of His hand falling over us and covering us. He has made us to be sharp arrows that He has hidden in His quiver(Isa.49:2). He provides shadow for us (Ps.91:1-2).