WHO'S AFRAID OF THE DARK?

True confession time –

I’m afraid of the dark.

Yup, if you looked up “scaredy-cat” in the dictionary, it would say –

“see Sharon.”

I’ve had this fear since I was a child. I was one of those “jump into bed from three feet out so someone doesn’t grab your legs” kind of girls.

I remember one time when this fear was severely challenged – about 5 years ago.

It was the first camping trip for my newlywed husband and me. I wanted to impress “The Hub” with my ability to “rough it.” I wanted his “Jeremiah Johnson” to think he had rightly married his match – “Pioneer Woman.”

Now, as I have mentioned before, I LIKE “roughing it.” And I mean, getting dirty and grimy – sleeping on the ground – no shower – no appliances – no makeup – no problem.

We were going to stay at a remote area. Only four “campsites” – with just a firepit and a bear box (to store the food) per site – just the bare minimum. And we were totally alone. No problem.

“The Hub” thought I was great at helping to set up the tent. He was amazed at my “roll with the punches” attitude. He noticed that I didn’t use the waterless soap five thousand times. He was proud of me.

Well, into every good camping story, nighttime must fall. It got dark, VERY dark that night. And, at some point, as the embers in the fire were fading out, it came time for that last “pit stop” of the evening. It was time for me to visit the “outhouse.”

About 1,000 feet away…

Did I mention that it was VERY dark?!

“The Hub” did his newlywed hero thing – “Sweetie, do you want me to go with you?”

And, wanting to make him SO proud of me, I answered, “No, I’ll be fine.”

Uh, right…

I took off, already nervous, and began the long trek to the outhouse.

Within 30 seconds, and maybe 100 feet away from the campfire, it was very cold – and VERY dark!

I was terrified.

OK, I’m thinking – “There’s a bear behind that tree, a mountain lion over there, and little mice everywhere just itching to crawl up my pants. And then, waiting for me at the outhouse is some guy in a mask.”

Oh…and my worst fear…there are all kinds of evil spirits lurking in the shadows.

However, the one saving grace was that I had brought along my friend – my flashlight – Mr. Maglite. Now this isn’t one of those delicate little jobbers – no, this is one of those foot-long, heavy metallic, super bright, “just-like-the-cops-have” flashlights.

I held Mr. Maglite in front of me like a beacon in a lighthouse. I held him in front of me like a weapon. I held him in front of me for dear life…

Was I scared? YOU BET!

Did I make it back safely? OF COURSE!

Was I comforted by my trusty friend, Mr. Maglite? ABSOLUTELY!

I learned a great lesson that night.

I have another friend who comforts me in the darkness of this world – Jesus.

C.S. Lewis called this world “The Shadowlands.” It’s an accurate description.

Shadows of sin, shadows of sickness, shadows of suffering, shadows of death.

It’s dark out there.

And there are all kinds of evil spirits lurking in the shadows.

But I am never alone. I have a companion – Jesus. He is the Light of Life – the One who shines like a beacon. The One who illuminates every shadow. The One in whom there is NO darkness.

“Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night…” (Psalm 91:5)

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (John 1:5)

“Put your trust in the light…” (John 12:36)

“We now have this light shining in our hearts…” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

“God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all.” (1 John 1:5)

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” (John 8:12)

I need not be terrified – Jesus is my friend.

BLOG = “Blessedly Leaning On God!”