I wrote yesterday about exploring the darkness and learning that there are treasures to be found when we feel like we are stuck in the miry depths with rock, dirt and bugs all around us. It is in the mine, in the depths of the earth that the greatest treasures are found. It is in this darkness that we have the opportunity to go treasure hunting.
“”There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore. Man puts an end to the darkness; he searches the farthest recesses for ore in the blackest darkness. Far from where people dwell he cuts a shaft, in places forgotten by the foot of man; far from men he dangles and sways. The earth, from which food comes, is transformed below as by fire; sapphires come from its rocks, and its dust contains nuggets of gold. No bird of prey knows that hidden path, no falcon’s eye has seen it. Proud beasts do not set foot on it, and no lion prowls there. Man’s hand assaults the flinty rock and lays bare the roots of the mountains. He tunnels through the rock; his eyes see all its treasures. He searches the sources of the rivers and brings hidden things to light.” (Job 28:1–11, NIV84)
My resolutions for the season of darkness in the mine.
Resolved, since I am in the mine and in the darkness, I will not leave the mine until I have found all the treasure I can carry. I will not leave this place empty handed. My bag to carry the treasure will be full to overflowing. I know that there is treasure here that God wants me to have. “No, we speak of God’s secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.” (1 Corinthians 2:7, NIV84) I want everything that God wants for me.
Resolved, I will leave the darkness BLESSED. “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13–18, NIV84)
Resolved, because this treasure of weapons and provision can carry me into my destiny, I will take out every diamond and all the gold I see. “Wisdom makes one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city.” (Ecclesiastes 7:19, NIV84) It is the purpose of God for me. “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2–3, NIV84)
Resolved, I will not allow the darkness of the mine that is pressing upon me to quench my light. I cannot see the treasures without the light, so I will keep my light burning brightly. It is faith in God and His promises that is my light. “You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.” (Psalm 18:28–29, NIV84) I will not allow the darkness to distract me from God’s Word. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NIV84) It is my obedience to this Word in the season of darkness that will give me light in the darkness. “The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (Proverbs 4:18–19, NIV84)
Resolved, I do not know how long I am in the mine, therefore I will use each moment in the mine fruitfully. I will spend each moment searching and digging for treasure. I will use all my strength to search and uncover the treasure. “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10, NIV84) There is no treasure in the darkness that we cannot apprehend. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13, NIV84) It is my glory to search intently for the treasure. “It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.” (Proverbs 25:2, NIV84)
Resolved, I will trust the Holy Spirit to guide me in the search for treasure. “However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him”— but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10, NIV84)
Resolved, I will be thankful in the darkness, because God has given me the opportunity to leave with great treasure. God listens to those who are grateful. “He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation of God.”” (Psalm 50:23, NIV84) Those who learn gratitude in their season of hardship and lack will find abundance awaits them in the next season. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.” (Job 42:12, NIV84) My prayer will express love and gratitude to God. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2, NIV84)
I expect that I will find the treasure and see the glory of God. “When I applied my mind to know wisdom and to observe man’s labor on earth—his eyes not seeing sleep day or night— then I saw all that God has done.” (Ecclesiastes 8:16–17, NIV84) See, the darkness is not so bad after all.
Joseph found the treasure in the darkness. “”Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.” (Acts 7:9–10, NIV84)
Dark Night of the Soul
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