Darkest When He’s Closest

Today’s the day.

My book, The Architect, is FINALLY released into the world!

You may be wondering, how am I feeling? Great question. Since this is my first book, I don’t really have categories for how I feel, but I liken it to what it must feel like to float in the deep, mysterious darkness of outer space.

If I am to be totally honest, the closer I’ve gotten to this release date, the more personal obstacles and stress I have faced. This might not surprise you. It surprised me. I was thinking, “I already wrote the book and that’s the hardest part.” Ha! Mentally, emotionally, even physically, I wasn’t prepared for this strange darkness and discomfort I would feel releasing something I’ve worked so hard at into the world. It’s for this reason I’ve been thinking about shadows. Trust me, this is going somewhere.

There’s nothing like a good shadow to help you discern where light is pointing . That’s nothing new. The inventor of the sundial figured that one out. Yet the shadow principal is one I forget about when it comes to my faith.

What I mean is, when life is clearest and brightest is usually when I assume God is nearest. But I’m wondering if I’ve got it backwards.

Psalm 57 talks about hiding beneath God’s shadow until the danger passes by.

This word picture is full of risk and darkness, but it’s also really intimate. What if the darkness in my life is telling me something? What if the peak of my fear is the place He’s going to show me the most? What if the moment everyone else runs screaming is the moment He’s actually drawing nearest?

What if it’s darkest when He’s closest?