Exodus 10:21
Then the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, darkness which may even be felt."
Afraid of the Dark?
Darkness that can be felt! This darkness was God's wrath revealed and a part of His judgment on Pharaoh and the Egyptians. Turning from God who is Light leaves you face to face with darkness and its power. Darkness is the absence of light, it is also the absence of God. This "darkness" is felt in us as depression, fear, hopelessness, guilt and despair. Attitudes like, "What's the use?" "Why am I even alive?" In John 12:35 Jesus told us that "he who walks in the darkness doesn't know where he is going." The darkness prompts questions like, Why am I here? Where am I going?
Egypt in the Scriptures is a symbol of the world - this world system. Look around at our world - darkness that can be felt is everywhere. Darkness inevitably plagues those who turn from light.
Exodus 10:23 says, "They did not see one another, nor did any rise from his place for three days. But the children of Israel had light in their dwellings."
Unable to see anyone else, selfishness at it's height. Paralyzed - unable to move or leave the opressive darkness. In total darkness together yet completely separated from eachother. A fitting description of people without God. The fascinating part of this verse is that the darkness didn't envelope the Israelites. They had light in their dwellings.
Rev. 16:10 "Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast and his kingdom became full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues because of the pain."
Once again we see darkness being sent in judgment. Being in the darkness is painful. Painful enough to drive men to inflict even more pain on themselves.
Colossians 1:12-13 says, " giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light, (13) He has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of His love"
Are we thankful for being delivered from the power of darkness? Are we glad to have light in our dwellings? In Matt 5:14, 16 Jesus tells us that we are the light of the world and that we should let our light shine before men. People in the dark need light to shine before them so they can see where they are headed. Think of it! We are the light of the world. If it wasn't for believers the world would be plunged into darkness.
Thought for Today:
Lord, thank you for delivering me from the power of darkness. Enable me to shine Your light brightly in this dark world. Let Your compassion for those still suffering in the darkness flow through me. Let me remember the darkness which can be felt and fear returning to it.