Psalm 4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Our hotel room was very dark that night.The blackout curtains were doing their job very well, concealing any outside glow from our room. I closed my eyes and snuggled close to my husband, but sleep eluded me. I tossed and turned, finally opening my eyes to check out any “shadows” in our room! I was surprised to see that the room was not in total blackness, as I had once thought. There were rays of light coming in from under the base of the front door. Then I noticed slivers of brightness on each side of the blackout curtains. Somehow, these slivers of light gave me peace, and I was able to sleep, knowing if I were to awaken in the night, I would not be engulfed in total darkness.

Sometimes our lives take a turn into the darkness. We never knows when we might plunge into that black hole, not knowing which way to turn, or even being able to function at a normal level. We may be in the grips of grief, depression, illness, alcoholism or drug abuse. We may have fears, emotional or physical violations, or a deep sadness. No matter the cause, the effect can be so overwhelming and overbearing we feel overwhelmed beyond belief.

When we experience these times of utter helplessness and we can barely put one foot in front of the other, God will send slivers of light into our lives. He will give us the place to dwell in safety (Ps. 4:8)

God will use friends, acquaintances and even strangers to help us. He will use events and circumstance to lighten our load and make the walk more bearable. He will personally be available to comfort and guide us, to give us wisdom in decision making, and to love us right where we are. He will bring those rays of light into the dark room of our lives, and help us through our time of need.

We must do our part, however, and open our eyes to see the slivers of light He sends our way. He loves us very much, for we are His children, and He will never leave or forsake us.

Marion Smith noles65@aol.com
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