Darkness is the word for Day 22 of #write28days. As has happened before, I heard words from a song in my mind – Hello darkness, my old friend, I’ve come to talk with you again. You may recognize these lines from The Sound of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel.
I think in some ways the song shows how we can feel like we are in darkness, unable to see or hear. Lots of talking but not really making a sound. A semblance of listening but not really hearing. Even in a crowd we may feel alone.
Why is that?
Some would say technology is the problem, but this song was written in the early 1960’s.
Of course, no one could blame cell phones, tablets or computers at that time. So, maybe the problem goes deeper. Could it be we are all so busy we have no time for being still?
Everyone wants to be heard and seen, accepted for who they are. But with our individualistic culture, encouraging us to put ourselves first, we can’t seem to see each other. We are likely to feel alone and unseen.
A Way Out of the Darkness
It seems we are looking in the wrong places. We want recognition and assurance from other people. We think that validates us. I’m not saying we all think that way either all or part of the time. But it is easy to fall into the trap of comparison.
In fact, there is another way. All of us are seen and heard by God. He knows us better than we know ourselves, because He is our Creator. In fact, He knows everything about us.
Psalm 139:1-6, 11-12 (CSB)
Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I stand up;
you understand my thoughts from far away.
You observe my travels and my rest;
you are aware of all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue,
you know all about it, Lord.
You have encircled me;
you have placed your hand on me.
This wondrous knowledge is beyond me.
It is lofty; I am unable to reach it.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me,
and the light around me will be night”—
even the darkness is not dark to you.
The night shines like the day;
darkness and light are alike to you.
Because of this, there is no place we are outside the gaze of God. As a result, no matter where we are or what happens, we are never completely alone. That should give us great comfort. We don’t need to be afraid, because He is always with us.
Rest in God
Instead of rushing through life, we can rest in Him. No matter what comes, we can still have peace in our souls. When we are in Him, we are free to reach out to others and be ready to listen.
Unlike the people in the song, we will truly see each other. We will listen, hear and speak with words of understanding.
May we be bold to reach out, to have the hard conversations, to encourage and build each other up.
What are your thoughts? I would love to hear your opinions, even if we don’t always agree.
You can find the rest of my #write28days series HERE.
I’m linking up with: #Grace&Truth
Dear Gayl,
I love your poem and art page! What a precious comfort we have in our Lord, who is always with us! There is no darkness where He cannot meet us, and call us to Himself. I think you are right, that even before these last few decades of technology busy-ness, people still felt so alone. It just seems that it’s even more so today! Only God can truly break through our constant running and isolation. May I be more open to really listen to those around me, and to hear the heart cries that others might miss. Thank you for these precious thoughts tonight. Blessings, love & hugs to you! xoxo
Dear Bettie,
I’m so glad you love the poem and art page. 🙂 Yes, Jesus is such a comfort to us and He will never leave. Yes, technology may have added to the problem but is certainly not the cause. It can actually be good when used properly. For instance, it helps us communicate with each other. That’s a blessing! I hope to be more open, too, and be aware of the heart cries around me. Many blessings and much love to you, dear Bettie! xoxo
So beautiful and filled with wisdom. I love your photo, collage and poem especially.
Thank you so much, Anna, for your sweet encouragement. Blessings and much love to you! xoxo
Thank you for this message. I have felt overwhelmed the past two days because of my “to do” list. Messages about rest and comfort in Him keep showing up. I know these are messages from God, reminding me not to worry about things. He wants me to find rest in Him. No more darkness. Light is found with Him. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂
Isn’t it just like God to send us those messages just when we need the reminders? It’s so easy to let those to-do lists hold us hostage. But it’s so much better to relax, trust God and rest, doing what we can when we can and not worrying about everything else. Amen – light is found in Him! Blessings to you, Melissa! Have a wonderful weekend.
Your words here are so comforting! It is good to know that no matter where we go or where we are, God still can see us. And because we are His children, we will never be alone. God Bless!
Thank you so much, Carrie Ann. Yes, no matter where we go He is with us. Blessings to you!
I just read Psalm 139 the other day. And I was little when this song came out but the 60’s also had a lot of other factors, Vietnam, drugs, people drifted away from the values help by their parents and grandparents. It has only spiraled more out of control, but we know who is in control and I am glad we can rest in Him.
I love all of Psalm 139. It’s so rich! Yes, I’m so glad God has everything under control. Because He does we can rest in Him. Blessings to you, Rebecca!
So much Yes and Amen to this: “there is no place we are outside the gaze of God.”
So good! (And I am so thankful for this truth!)
Thank you, Karrilee. I’m also very thankful that we are never out of His sight. Blessings to you!
I enjoy seeing your creativity. You are a die-hard scrapbook junkie!!! I love that about you.
Thank you, Susan, for your encouragement. Blessings to you! xo