It has been said that it is darkest before the light.

And although this might not scientifically be true

it serves as encouragement to those who are struggling

with helplessness and hopelessness.

I’ve also heard folks say that if it is dark

turn on the light;

do something,

take a step of action to move into the light.

But what do you do

when you are caught between the rock and a hard place?

When you are blocked on every side

and there seems no possible way to change things?

Where do you turn?

I remember years ago

driving home late at night.

Finished a class at the University of Virginia

and making my way north

But the weather was bad.

Heavy rain and high winds.

I held tight to the steering wheel

just trying to keep the car on the road.

My heart cried out to the Lord

asking Him to help me get home to my two year old.

But the storm continued.

Suddenly in front of me I saw lights flashing

and heard voices calling out.

I saw policemen walking

and rolled down the window.

“Bridge is out! You can’t go that way,” he ordered.

“Turn right to detour.”

Gulp.

I didn’t want to take the detour

but there was nothing I could do.

This was back before cell phones.

I knew that my mother who was watching my child

would be worried about me.

Rain continued to fall in torrents

as I slowly maneuvered the car to the right.

“Please, Lord, get me home,” I cried.

Alone in the dark

but not alone.

Have you ever felt that way?

I wondered if I’d ever see home again.

The winds blew with a fury as I drove.

Praying.

Calling out to the One and Only One that could help.

Hour long minutes crawled by

in that darkest of nights.

Then that verse came to mind.

Maybe you are familiar with it.

   “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines. Though the labor of the olive may fail. And the fields yield no food. Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls.

   Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:17)

That was it!!

I knew it as soon as I remembered the verse.

I needed to praise the Lord in the midst of the storm.

So I took a deep breath and began to speak out loud.

Yes, there in that car,

With the rains gushing and the winds ripping

I praised Him.

Simple words from a young, scared woman that night

but

like a light coming on

the Truth shone a brightness around me.

It wasn’t long before I saw the next turn that led me

all the rest of the way home that night so long ago.

God’s grace carried me all the way

His Love taught me to never doubt.

Just to trust Him in the dark.

So wherever you are at this very moment

take those words to heart

and rejoice in the God of your salvation.

When there’s nothing you can do

just praise Him.

Take that step to turn on the Light!