Praising In the Dark
Sunday morning, May 26, 2024, the morning the lights went out in the church.
We arrived for early morning service and entered the foyer expecting the usual… speaking to the greeters, picking up our communion elements, and stopping to briefly chat with members as we proceeded to head upstairs to our seats. But our expectations halted.
We noticed the darkness in the sanctuary. People moved carefully in and out of the sanctuary into the foyer and hallways. Ropes and ushers blocked the entry to the upstairs seating. We inquired and discovered that a powerful storm whipped through the area and caused problems with a transformer that impacted the lights. The entire sanctuary was dark without electricity.
I noticed some people starting to leave. Maybe fear of the dark. Maybe security issues. My thought was to get some praise going on. People in dark concerts pull their phones out and use them for light. We could do the same. In fact, the ushers were already using flashlights to seat those who opted to stay.
I saw Pastor Jonathan and quickly ran over to him. I suggested they get something started since people began to leave. He immediately went down to the stage in the sanctuary to address the congregation. In a cappella style, the praise team started up a song and everyone chimed in. We went upstairs and joined in worship and praise… in the dark.
When you think about it, the best time to praise Jesus is in the dark. It involves an issue of trust. When you go through dark valleys, dark trials, dark times and you can’t see a way out. When your marriage goes dark, your children’s lives go dark, your jobs go dark, your finances go dark, your plans, dreams, and goals go dark… the best thing to do is to trust and praise Him in the dark! Because when you do, the light shows up. He promised to never leave or forsake you. Jesus, the light of the world will shine through your darkness. So, give Him praise and show Jesus you trust Him… even in the dark.
Pastor Gibson brought the message with as much volume as he could muster up since he lacked a mic. He closed with a call to the altar and at the end of the altar call… you guess it… the lights came on! Talk about a praise service!
I don’t know about you, but the lights may go out again in the church. However, I refuse to let my light go out in my life no matter what I face. I will trust and praise Jesus in the dark times because I know He is my light and will guide me through. Why? Simply…
