Lost in the Forest

(NOTE: This is a reprint of a post I wrote on 9/7/15 that was accidentally deleted)

Today I ran across something I wrote on February 11, 2014, following a dry season in my life. It bears repeating in hopes that it helps someone today who may be going through their own dark season.

"As my spiritual armor lay scattered before me on the floor, I succumbed to the reality. Accepting the futility of walking in circles, I retreated to my bedroom. Words were not necessary. God knew my plight. I needed his direction. I needed him to be my compass. Suddenly my attention was drawn to a book on my bookshelf, a Daily Guideposts. It was from 2012, but for some reason I felt led to pick it up and read the post from February 10th. The title for that day was "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" and the scripture reading was from Psalms 40:1. "I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined to me and heard my cry."

At that moment I knew that I would once again find the light, as I had so many times before. Although the forest is dark and foreboding, trees looming high above, pathless in every direction, there is a way out. My savior is the light. He is the way, the truth and the life.

In my darkest hours I have always found his outstretched hand reaching out to me, leading me into the light. I've also experienced something very powerful each and every time. I come out of the blackness stronger and more committed, with a deeper abiding faith, a greater understanding of his marvelous grace and mercy. I've learned through the years, when I find myself once again lost in that black forest, not to wander there aimlessly too long, but to scan the darkness for that outstretched hand that will lead me home.