Reimagine “the darkness”
I have heard many people share their struggles with loneliness and darkness. Often, these terms are associated with negative connotations. We may even be taught not to dwell on them. While I agree that in Christ we have victory and are called to be the salt and light of the world, I believe there is more to reflect on.
I still vividly remember when the world was in lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Many people were distressed by the lack of physical gatherings, while some found solace in the solitude.
But what about you and me? I have been reflecting on and studying the concept of “loneliness and darkness.” Some teachers even categorize these experiences as symptoms of evil bondage. I would like us all to pause, think, and pray.
Let us read Psalm 23:4:
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
In addition, take time to read Psalms 3, 4, 13, and 14. These are moments when David cried out to God in distress and deep reflection.
With that in mind, I would like to offer some insights as we continue to ponder the meaning of “loneliness and darkness”:
- We should not immediately assume that someone is in spiritual bondage when they share their struggles with loneliness and darkness.
- We should listen with wisdom and discernment. At the same time, be open to the Holy Spirit as He leads us to speak words of wisdom.
- We must not be quick to judge or overly critical. Some may be facing mental health challenges.
- Let us respond with compassion.
I often return to Psalm 23:4 to bring hope and comfort to those who are struggling. It reminds them that even a spiritual giant like David walked through dark valleys. Instead of focusing on the darkness or his enemies, David chose to focus on God, the Creator. He did not fixate on achieving resolution but looked to God for strength.
I once read a book titled Learning to Walk in the Dark by Barbara Brown Taylor, an American pastor and theologian. In it, she invites readers to rediscover what darkness can teach us. She writes, “Tonight it is possible to accept this peaceful darkness as a token of the divine presence.”
I agree with Barbara Brown Taylor: God is still at work, even in our darkest hours. If He weren’t, how would we come to realize that He is with us through our challenges?
Brothers and Sisters,
Let us place our hope in God, the Almighty. There will be times when we do not understand what He has planned for us. That is where faith and trust come in. Let us continue to trust in Him.
To God be all the glory!
反思“黑暗”
我听过许多人分享关于他们与“孤单”和“黑暗”的挣扎。很多时候这些字眼都是和负面的内涵息息相连的，我们甚至也被教导避免徘徊在他们之内。虽然我同意我们在基督里是得胜的，并被呼召成为世界的光和盐，我相信我们还是有事情值得深思的。
我还大概记得当世界还因为新冠肺炎处于封锁时期的时候，很多因为群体聚会的缺乏而忧郁，而有些在孤单的时期找到了安慰。至于你我呢？我正反思和探讨关于“孤单”和“黑暗”的概念。有些教师甚至会把这些经历归类为恶性捆绑的症状。我想要我们各位停下来，思想并祷告。
让我们宣读诗篇 23:4:
我虽然行过死荫的幽谷，也不怕遭害，因为祢与我同在；祢的杖、祢的竿，都安慰我。
除此之外，让我们抽出时间宣读诗篇3，4，13，和14篇.这些都是大卫在急难中呼求神并和深思的时候。
谨记这点，让我给予一些见解，在我们深思“孤单”和“黑暗”的意义的时候：
- 我们不应该直接判断都人处于属灵的捆绑中，在别人分享他们与“孤单”和“黑暗”的挣扎的时候。
- 我们应该带着智慧和分辨能力去聆听。同时，敞开心来让圣灵引领我们说智慧的言语。
- 我们不应该急于判断/论断或过度批判。有些人正面临心理健康的挑战。
- 让我们带着同理心去回应。
我时常回到诗篇 23:4把盼望和安慰带给那些正在挣扎的人。这提醒他们连像大卫的属灵巨人都会有走在低谷的时候。与其专注在黑暗和仇敌，大卫选择专注在神，那位创造主。他并没有专注在取得和解，而是看向神以得着力量。
我曾经读过一本由美国牧者和神学家芭芭拉˙布朗˙泰勒的书《Learning to Walk in the Dark》。在此，她邀请读者们重审“黑暗”可以教导我们什么。她写道“今晚，我们有可能接纳这个平安的黑暗为神圣的同在”。
我同意泰勒的说法：神依然在动工，即使在我们最黑暗的时刻。如果不是，我们是如何知道祂是与我们共渡我们的挑战呢？
弟兄姐妹们，
让我们把我们的盼望放在伟大的神里面。我们有时候不会明白祂所谓我们策划的。这是我们实行我们的信心和信任的时候。让我们持续信靠祂。
所有的荣耀归于神！
郭进兴牧师