It Was a Dark and Stormy Night
Once, I read that the worst lead- in to any story was the words “it was a dark and stormy night.” Funny. Those are the words that I always associated with storytelling in my youth. As a matter of fact, the first time I remember having to write a scary story, those were the words I began it with- largely because I couldn’t think of any others. My teacher wrote, “Vary your wording.” I didn’t know how often the reality of those words would enter my life.
Everything is worse at night. Have you ever needed to change a flat at night? Sickness is always worse at night. Depression is more common at night. Even if things don’t change much, the dark sure seems to make obstacles larger. While there may not be a literal monster under the bed or in the closet, if I think he’s there, he’s there. I’ve slain a few dragons in my time, but they’re easier to fight in the light of day. At night, I am afraid.
On the other hand, some nights are actually pleasant. Really, you can see a lot at night. That’s if the stars appear. These are the “lesser lights” that God appointed to assist ruling the night. If there are no predators about, night is soothing with the comfort and beauty of God’s “night-lights.” The dark night is something different. The hope that we will be saved is lost when no stars appear. Walking in the dark, we stumble and fall.
There’s always a storm-front somewhere. It’s raining on someone every day. I have prayed for many that were in a storm theoretical to me, but I have also prayed earnestly (albeit in vain) that the storm pass me by. Storms come. I remember praying on a Sunday morning (in church) that my basement wouldn’t flood. I know God heard my prayer. He just didn’t seal my basement. I’ve been in the literal storm. The figurative storm, like the dark night, is worse.
I have more experience with spiritual night and storms than the others. I’m not the kind that gets under tables, stands in doorways or sleeps in the bathtub when there’s a tornado warning, but I have cowered in the shadow of fear and uncertainty in spiritual trials. Someone else will have to judge the strength of my faith, but only my faith brought me through the tests. I have learned that, as sure as there is day, there is night, and storms come to everyone.
When in trial, Paul urged us not to think that something unusual was happening. Troubles do not come to us because of our “specialness.” Rather, they are a part of our “fallenness.” They illustrate and underscore our need for a Savior. The disciples were in boat (in a storm at night) when Jesus came to them walking on the water. Jesus often shows up in the middle of storms and dark nights. They are teachable moments. Folks don’t listen when they’re on a cruise or lying on the beach.
We can’t stop the progression of time. Night will follow day- literally and figuratively. The cycles of nature (and cycles they are) are not controlled by human means. Storms come and go. The tide goes out, but it comes back in again. Weather and seasons are not constant, but Jesus is. There’s an old song that says, “When I could not go to Him, He came to me.” I hope that’s true for both of us.
Sterl
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