In the Abyss...
I can't see.
Abyss: noun- a deep or seemingly bottomless chasm
We all experience mountains and valleys, journeys that bring happiness and immense sadness. Things can get very low. We find ourselves in what I like to call the dark abyss; the space that feels like the bad things happening to us are endless and light seems to hide itself from our faces. You can’t seem to find your way out or see an end. Where do we turn? What do we do? How can we make it out?
The answer to these questions is God. As the songwriter wrote, Jesus knows all about our troubles. While cliché, its true. God created you in the beginning. Your life was planned out well before you were formed in your mother’s womb. He knows every mountain you will climb, every valley you find yourself trudging through, and everything in between. Even when those valleys seem endless, find comfort in knowing that God is right there with you. When you can’t see Him, just call out His name. When He seems so far away, remember He is already at the end, guiding you through every step of the way.
Years ago, I found myself in my own dark abyss. An abyss made from self-disappointment. A space that seemed to grow as my life never hit time stamps I had set. Life was handing me every lemon created on this earth without the recipe for lemonade. I couldn’t find my motivation. I couldn’t encourage myself. I was going through the motions, living life without God’s guidance. Those times got pretty dark. I felt like I lived in the valley. I felt like I was surrounded by this dark space, but I never reached within to the God that dwelled in me. I never called out to Him. I thought I could make it out on my own. I eventually realized doing it on my own was impossible.
When times get dark, find God deep inside you. Let His light shine in you. Let Him direct your path. Get connected to His Word. Psalms 119:105 says, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path. With God the lightbulb comes on. You may not see all the way down the road, but you can see what’s in front of you.
It won’t last forever. Walk through the valley (Psalm 23:4). Climb over the mountain. Its not going to be easy, but God needs you to walk it out. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path! Proverbs 3:5-6.
He has a path for you. One that won’t always be visible to your eye or easy to walk. Every piece of your journey is worth it. You will get through it and God will get the Glory. Remember God has purposed you and promised you great things.
God is with you…even in the abyss.
