Finding Hope and Treasures in Darkness

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of facing darkness and finding hope. We began by acknowledging the pervasive darkness that has enveloped our world, from the trials of COVID-19 to the pain of racial injustice. These challenges have left many of us feeling overwhelmed and in need of hope. I shared a personal confession about my fear of the dark, both physically and emotionally, and how this fear has shaped my life. This fear of darkness is not just about the absence of light but also about the emotional weight that can distort our perception of reality.

In a moment of deep anxiety, I turned to the Bible, searching for verses about darkness. This search led me to Isaiah 45:3, which speaks of treasures hidden in darkness. This verse challenged me to reconsider my perspective on suffering. Could there be treasures in the darkness? Could God be using these dark times to enrich us spiritually, just as He enriched King Cyrus with physical wealth to fulfill His purpose?

We explored the idea that God has concealed riches in the darkness of suffering. These treasures are not easily found in the lighter, happier times. They require us to surrender to God, to stop resisting, and to embrace the darkness as a place where God can work in us. Through my own experiences with breast cancer and the loss of my son, I have found that God produces gold in the fire of suffering. This gold is not physical but spiritual, enriching our lives and enabling us to comfort others.

We also discussed how God has the power to intervene in our darkness and that He is close to us in these times. He is both transcendent and intimate, a God who knows us by name and walks with us through our darkest moments. This knowledge leads us to worship, even in our pain, as Job did. Worship itself becomes a treasure in the darkness, a way to acknowledge God's goodness and control over our lives.

Finally, I invited those who have not yet received Jesus Christ as their Savior to do so, emphasizing that He is the light we need in our darkness. As a community, we are called to face the darkness together, to support one another, and to find hope in the treasures God has hidden for us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing Darkness for Spiritual Growth: Darkness, both physical and emotional, can distort our perception, but it also holds hidden treasures. By surrendering to God in our darkest times, we open ourselves to spiritual enrichment and growth. This requires a conscious decision to trust God and seek His presence in the midst of suffering. [09:47]

2. God's Power to Intervene: God is transcendent and powerful, capable of intervening in our darkest moments. His ability to change our circumstances is a testament to His greatness. However, even when He doesn't intervene as we desire, His presence remains a source of comfort and strength. [18:08]

3. Intimacy with God in Darkness: God is not only powerful but also intimate and personal. He knows us by name and is close to us in our suffering. This intimate relationship with God is a treasure that provides comfort and hope, reminding us that we are never alone. [19:32]

4. Worship as a Treasure in Darkness: Worshiping God in our pain is a profound act of faith. It acknowledges His goodness and control, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Worship becomes a treasure, a way to connect with God and find peace amidst suffering. [23:35]

5. Community and Shared Suffering: True community is built when we choose to share in each other's suffering. By taking on the pain of others, we create a supportive and loving environment where we can face darkness together and find hope. This shared experience is a treasure that strengthens our bonds and reflects Christ's love. [15:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction and Context
- [00:22] - Facing Global Challenges
- [01:10] - Personal Fear of Darkness
- [03:16] - Searching for Light in Scripture
- [04:57] - Treasures in Darkness
- [06:10] - Historical Context of Isaiah 45:3
- [07:49] - Spiritual Treasures in Suffering
- [09:47] - Surrendering to God in Darkness
- [12:01] - Personal Testimonies of Growth
- [14:24] - Building Community Through Suffering
- [16:39] - God's Power and Intimacy
- [19:32] - God Knows Us by Name
- [22:23] - Worship as a Response to Darkness
- [24:28] - Invitation to Receive Christ
- [27:58] - Closing Prayer and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Facing Darkness and Finding Hope

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 45:3 - "I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."
2. Job 19:8 - "God has blocked my path and turned my light to darkness."
3. Psalm 13:3 - "Answer me, O Lord, my God. Give me light in my darkness, lest I die."

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Observation Questions:

1. What personal experiences did the pastor share about their fear of darkness, both physically and emotionally? How did these experiences shape their perspective on darkness? [01:10]

2. How did the pastor describe their process of searching the Bible for verses about darkness, and what was the significance of Isaiah 45:3 in their journey? [04:57]

3. What examples did the pastor give of finding "treasures in darkness" through personal trials such as breast cancer and the loss of their son? [11:41]

4. How does the pastor describe the role of community in facing darkness together, and what are the benefits of shared suffering? [15:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does Isaiah 45:3 challenge the common perception of darkness as purely negative? How might this verse encourage someone going through a difficult time? [05:19]

2. How does the pastor's interpretation of Job 19:8 and Psalm 13:3 reflect a deeper understanding of God's presence in times of suffering? What does this suggest about the nature of God's relationship with us during dark times? [04:28]

3. The pastor mentioned that worship can be a treasure in darkness. How does this perspective change the way one might approach worship during difficult times? [23:35]

4. How does the concept of God being both transcendent and intimate provide comfort and hope in the midst of suffering? [19:32]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced a period of darkness in your life. What "treasures" or lessons did you discover during that time, and how have they impacted your spiritual journey? [09:47]

2. The pastor spoke about surrendering to God in darkness. What are some practical steps you can take to surrender your current struggles to God and seek His presence? [10:03]

3. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of community with others who are also facing darkness? What specific actions can you take to support someone in your community who is struggling? [15:41]

4. Consider the role of worship in your life. How can you incorporate worship as a response to your current challenges, and what might that look like practically? [23:35]

5. The pastor emphasized the importance of recognizing God's power to intervene. How can you remind yourself of God's power and presence in your daily life, especially when facing difficult situations? [18:08]

6. Reflect on the idea that God knows us by name and is intimately involved in our lives. How does this truth affect your view of your personal relationship with God, and how can it influence your prayer life? [19:52]

7. If you have not yet received Jesus Christ as your Savior, what steps can you take to explore this decision further? If you have, how can you share the light of Christ with someone who is experiencing darkness? [24:28]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Darkness as a Path to Spiritual Riches
In times of darkness, both physical and emotional, our perception of reality can become distorted. However, these moments also hold hidden treasures that can lead to spiritual growth. By surrendering to God during our darkest times, we open ourselves to spiritual enrichment and growth. This requires a conscious decision to trust God and seek His presence amidst suffering. The darkness is not merely an absence of light but a space where God can work within us, refining our spirits and drawing us closer to Him. [09:47]

Isaiah 45:3 (ESV): "I will give you the treasures of darkness and the hoards in secret places, that you may know that it is I, the Lord, the God of Israel, who call you by your name."

Reflection: What is one area of darkness in your life where you can invite God to reveal hidden treasures and growth opportunities today?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Power to Transform
God's power is both transcendent and intimate, capable of intervening in our darkest moments. His ability to change our circumstances is a testament to His greatness. However, even when He doesn't intervene as we desire, His presence remains a source of comfort and strength. Trusting in God's power means acknowledging His sovereignty and believing that He is working for our good, even when we cannot see it. This trust allows us to find peace and hope, knowing that God is in control. [18:08]

Psalm 46:1-3 (ESV): "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling."

Reflection: In what specific situation do you need to trust God's power and presence today, even if the outcome is uncertain?


Day 3: Experiencing God's Intimacy in Suffering
God is not only powerful but also deeply personal and intimate. He knows us by name and is close to us in our suffering. This intimate relationship with God is a treasure that provides comfort and hope, reminding us that we are never alone. In our darkest moments, God walks with us, offering His love and understanding. This closeness invites us to lean on Him and find solace in His presence, knowing that He is always near. [19:32]

Isaiah 43:1-2 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.'"

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to experience God's intimate presence in a current struggle or challenge you are facing?


Day 4: Worship as a Response to Darkness
Worshiping God in our pain is a profound act of faith. It acknowledges His goodness and control, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Worship becomes a treasure, a way to connect with God and find peace amidst suffering. By choosing to worship, we declare our trust in God's plan and His ability to bring beauty from ashes. This act of worship transforms our perspective, allowing us to see God's hand at work in our lives. [23:35]

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."

Reflection: What is one way you can choose to worship God today, even in the midst of a difficult situation?


Day 5: Building Community Through Shared Suffering
True community is built when we choose to share in each other's suffering. By taking on the pain of others, we create a supportive and loving environment where we can face darkness together and find hope. This shared experience is a treasure that strengthens our bonds and reflects Christ's love. As a community, we are called to support one another, offering compassion and understanding as we journey through life's challenges together. [15:41]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Who in your community is experiencing darkness, and how can you offer them support and companionship today?

Quotes

"I wanna talk to you today about facing the darkness and finding hope. And I'm gonna start with a true confession. I am afraid of the dark. And I mean not just a little bit afraid. I mean really, really, really afraid. The kind of afraid that makes darkness something that I avoid at all costs, because as far as I'm concerned, bad things happen in the dark, bad guys pop out, robbers, kidnappers, monsters." [00:01:07]

"When I was going through treatment for breast cancer, long time ago, I kept thinking about Job 23:10, which says, 'He knows the way I take and when he has tried me, I will come forth as gold.' I didn't take that verse as a guarantee of physical healing. God didn't owe me that if it happened, it was wonderful. But I didn't see that healing was guaranteed in that verse." [00:10:17]

"Gold was produced in the fire of cancer in my life, and it is being produced in the fire of the suffering and grief that of lost that engulfs me in the death of my son. Through breast cancer, I gained a new ability to relate to people who suffer life threatening illnesses. I stared death in the face, and I wasn't as afraid anymore." [00:11:32]

"Several friends have told me that the isolation and the shutdown of COVID-19 was initially very upsetting and frustrating. But during these months, the forced quiet and slower pace of life has actually breathed life into their souls that their time with God has increased, leading to in renewed and beautiful fellowship with Him. And they are actually very grateful." [00:12:57]

"Jerry writes, 'Community does not simply happens spontaneously, except in rare occurrences when conditions are right. Not even the unique circumstances of catastrophic loss are sufficient to create community. When people suffering loss do find community. It comes as a result of conscious choices they and other people make.' First of all, it requires a choice on the part of those who want to provide community for suffering friends." [00:14:29]

"Expressing compassion is a deliberate choice and We are most like Christ, when we choose to offer the gift of our presence and choose to absorb within ourselves the suffering of others. This is true fellowship and this is a treasure hidden in the darkness of the suffering we are experiencing. So ask yourself, what is the gold that God is producing in my pain?" [00:15:56]

"This first goes on to say that not only does He give us treasures in the darkness, riches hidden in secret places, he does it for a reason. He does it so that we would know. Well, know what? Two things. He does it so that we would know that God has the power to intervene in our darkness." [00:16:31]

"Many of you can tell amazing stories of the way that this huge, transcendent, powerful, mighty God has intervened in your finances, in your health, in your family, in your career, just when you thought there was no hope of change, or healing, or redemption, or restoration or salvation. He has revealed Himself as He moved into your darkness and changed everything." [00:18:11]

"We know that He will be close to us in our darkness. He is the Almighty God. He's huge but He is also eminent, which means He is intimate. He is personal. He is our helper, our healer, our Savior, our friend, the lover of our wounded souls. And so we know this small and personal and intimate God will be close to us in our darkness." [00:19:04]

"There is nothing more intimate than being fully known. All of your weirdness, all your weaknesses, what makes you laugh? What makes you cry? Your fears, your hopes, your dreams, no one will fully know you on Earth. But God does. He's the only one who can go down into the depths of who you are through the layers and layers of your personality to the core of your being." [00:21:28]

"What we know about God leads us to worship. In that very familiar story of Job, the man who loses everything that matters to him. He responds in a way that moves me and challenges me. And I want you to notice the reverse here in a second. It's what he knew about God that led him to worship." [00:22:13]

"Even in pain, we can know that He is a good and loving God. Even in our pain, we can know that He notices every detail of our lives. Even in our pain, we can know that He is in control. And even in our pain, we can know that He has a plan for our lives. You and I must choose to search for the treasures in the darkness." [00:23:40]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?