We’ve been memorizing Psalm 91, and I’ve been repeating the first verse over and over. This psalm was dear to me when Marissa was fighting her battle, and it comforts me now.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 

A beautiful picture of safety and rest.

But that shadowed place is not always pleasant. It can seem restrictive–claustrophobic, even.

That protected shelter can be filled with darkness.

Every person in the world is being touched by this virus in some way, and each one has his own level of suffering.

Lonely, or wishing for time alone.

Jobless, or facing risk by working each day.

Fearful, disappointed in changed plans, bored or frustrated.

Sick and even dying.

We understand that God is moving, but we just don’t know what He is doing.

We are longing for a sense of control. For freedom from a cramped place. For an end to pain and suffering.

We are crying out for light.

And here is the blessed truth–all of this darkness is light to Him.

Can you cease your struggling long enough to let God be God to you?

Will you trust the Author with His story?

Each character, every detail, all the individual narratives are working to further His kingdom. He is not surprised by this plot twist.

Only God can take this mess of tragedy, fear, and upheaval and make it good. This shadowed place is meant to stretch our trust in the God who sees it all. Our struggle is intended to make us like His Son, to ready our souls for an unimagined glory.

We need to remember that the story ends well.

This week is called the Passion Week–the days leading up to Christ’s death on the cross. Though He compassionately taught and prepared His followers, I can imagine the darkness of that day for them. The gaping chasm between what they knew and what they felt.

I can hear their wondering. Where is God? Why this darkness? How can this possibly be the plan?

I can understand their fear of failing faith.

But Sunday is coming.

In spite of shadows, in spite of dark fears, in spite of all the wondering, the resurrection is sure. The cave will be empty. The plan for our redemption will be secured.

Let that brightness of grace seep into all your shadowed places.

He is risen, as He said.

Hallelujah!

He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?” Daniel 4:35

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:26