If I didn’t know better,

     I’d think it wasn’t there.

I was referring to Nubble Lighthouse many years ago.

Our home away from home was close to the lighthouse.

We’d go to sleep many times listening to the sound of the foghorn

     and the familiar light.

     Then in the morning it would be standing tall

        as if to greet us.

But one summer the weather suddenly changed

    and with the cooler temperatures

     there was an unusually thick fog.

So thick that you could only see a few feet in front of you.

And Nubble Lighthouse was completely hidden from view.

Day after day went by

  and the only indication of the Lighthouse

  was the lonely sound of the foghorn

  day and night.

On the third day I longed to do something to lift the fog.

To make it go away so that once more I could see what I knew was there.

I felt helpless.

All I had was my knowledge that the lighthouse was still there.

From all I could see with my eyes

    nothing existed.

I will never forget it.

Day after day

     of waiting

     and living in the fog.

I, too, have experienced times of being sunk in a fog.

Have you?

One day follows another

   ordinary moments

The plan you thought you were following has disappeared

  and now you walk step by step

   groping as it were

   in the fog

  waiting for the light

  some indication of His Plan.

I’ve known people who have experienced that fog for long stretches of time.

Dark night of the soul, it has been called.

You pray

   and nothing seems to happen.

You pray some more.

You read Scripture and it seems as if something or someone has left.

Oh, if that is where you are now

   lift up your heart

   and be encouraged.

Your God has not left you.

It only might seem that way.

No, His Love never changes.

The times of fog or darkness are only there

   to help us know His carrying Grace through that stretch.

Nestle deep in the truths that you know.

The ones you learned maybe as a child.

“For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”(Joshua 1:9)

“Though I walk through the valley of death

    I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. (Psalm 23)

“The eternal God is your refuge

    and underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

 

Yes, times of thick fog are difficult.

Like children, we might become fearful and alone.

But hold onto the marvelous words He has given.

He is with you

   in the sunshine

   in the darkness

   in the rain

     and in the fog.

 When the trees blossom and flower

  and when the leaves fall and the cold winds of winter blow.

He continues to hold us tenderly in His arms

 The day will come when you will see again

     and walk in the light

  but for now

  rest in His comfort and care.

All is well.