Recently during my travels, I had the opportunity to stay with a wonderful and friendly couple. They welcomed me into their home with gracious hospitality. Prior to my arrival, I had not met the host family; my trusted friend made the arrangements. Within minutes of introductions, I knew immediately this was a good decision. Even with a communication barrier, they were both easy to talk to and I was eager to learn more about them.
Our hectic schedules kept us away from the house during the day so it was only in the late evenings that we had a chance be together and talk. Islands near the equator often have very short periods of twilight. Darkness seems to fall instantly. Such was the case this particular evening.
(If you have known me for any length of time, you probably know that I have a semi-irrational fear of the dark, and yes, this is relevant to the story.)
Also relevant to the story, is that most doors in Haiti look like the picture below – easy access for scary things of the night.
Continuing with the story…we were sitting in the living room sharing highlights from our days. My back was towards the door, and I was intently listening as to not miss any information that could have been lost in translation. Suddenly there was a noise out in the darkness that startled me. I half-jumped and turned in my seat to peer into the darkness. When I didn’t see any scary eyes peering back at me, I returned to the conversation. Noticing my reaction, the father of the family looked at me and in the most reassuring voice said, “I’m here.” His voice was so calming and confident that I immediately felt at ease again.
Our Father in Heaven says the same thing: “I’m here.” Can you close your eyes and imagine the Father speaking those words in a calm and confident voice?
In your decisions, in your relationships, in the past, and in the future, our gracious and loving Father wants to speak those words over you, “I’m here.”
Rest in His promises. Believe in His faithfulness. Don’t take your eyes off the Father to peer into the darkness. Take Him at His Word.
He is right here – wherever you are!
Pslam 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
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.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
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