#2 Treasures of darkness

“I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3

this passage from Isaiah has sustained me in some of the darkest moments of my life. I'll never forget the first time I read it... it was like it was written for me in that exact moment.

I was experiencing a seemingly never-ending darkness - depression - which I could not make sense of. It seemed that no matter how hard I worked at my mental health, and no matter how hard I trusted and prayed, it appeared pointless. And yet, as I read the above words, I heard the promise of redemption, of some kind of fulfillment... and there was hope. I realised that it was in the very place of darkness and incomprehensible pain that the truth would be revealed.

I have caught glimpses of the promise since. I have known the beauty of hope and the refreshment of light. I have seen the fruits of my time of darkness and I have been grateful.

But the darkness creeps back in. And I am struggling to find the treasure.

#1 Light Outside

I decided last night that in an effort to get writing again I would challenge myself to write 10 blogs in the next 10 days.... and then today happened.... so I really don't feel like blogging or saying much out loud (aka in type) at all. But here goes.



Well, it not really a blog, but this song by one of my favourite bands - Wakey! Wakey! -has become an absolute haven for me this past year. It is a poignantly beautiful and hopeful song. It is a song about our need for each other, our need for the hope and grace that comes through (real) relationship.

And this song has taken on a whole different level because my dear friend, mentor and the man who, along with his family, 'saved' and cared for me in my darkest moments is facing a very uncertain future - and possibly his fourth brain surgery in 12 months. In my own pain and confusion I long to speak light and hope in a dark situation.

We all should....