Kim Wilbanks

Who Else Is Afraid Of The Dark?

I made my way down the long, dark hallway.  It was pitch-black.  I couldn’t see a thing.  Definitely not a full moon this night.  But, I woke up in the middle of the night thirsty, thus my nocturnal trip to the kitchen.

It was just as dark walking back to the bedroom.  I didn’t want to disturb my husband’s sleep, so I didn’t turn on the flashlight app on my iPhone.  I felt around for my side of the bed and climbed back in, careful not to get my feet too close to the bed.  You know, in case someone was hiding under the bed waiting to grab me.

I know, I’ll admit it — I’m way too old to be afraid of the dark.  But, I am.

As I lay in bed, trying to get back to sleep, I thought about a Bible verse I had read earlier in the day in the book of Isaiah.

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10

What a beautiful word picture — the God of the universe holding us up with his righteous right hand.

When Times Are Dark

This combined season of pandemic, racial tension and social unrest is kind of like walking down a dark hallway.  In the darkest part of the hallway, you can’t see the end.  You don’t know what obstacles are in the way, what may trip you up.  The surrounding darkness is unnerving and causes anxiety.  The end is there, somewhere — you just can’t see it from where you are.

Sometimes imagining can help you visualize a solution to a problem.  Just as I thought about God holding out his right hand to guide me down the dark hallway, when I couldn’t see where I was going, I can imagine Him walking me through these uncertain times.  Like a gentleman, he raises his right elbow and waits for me to place my hand on his arm.  He leads me through the darkness of fear and uncertainty towards a place of safety.  He knows what is ahead, what is coming, what will threaten me and as long as I hold on to Him, He will see me through.

That is what is keeping me together right now.  I have no clue what will happen in the days, weeks or even years ahead.  The chaos and uncertainty is enough to make me want to hide under the covers.  But, God has promised that he will strengthen me, help me and uphold me with His righteous right hand. It’s my only hope.

Help In The Darkness

How about you?  Do you find these times frightening and a bit disconcerting?  May I encourage you to allow God to help you get through it all?  He’s there, ready to guide you with His righteous right hand.  All you have to do is reach out to Him and His son Jesus.  You won’t regret it.

Here are some more verses that mention God’s right hand for you to meditate on:

• You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me . . . Psalms 18:35
• If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.  Psalms 139:9-10
• Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.  Psalms 108:6
• Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.  Psalms 73:23
• I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.  Psalms 63:8