Dark Places…

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 NKJV

Dormancy is defined as “a state of suspended animation.” In botany, it means “not actively growing but protected from the environment.” I’d been in a state of relative dormancy the past two years, tucked away and in the dark. However, I was recently surprised by new areas of growth.

My frequent pangs of grief have thankfully passed. I am no longer just going through the motions or drifting along with the flow. Seeds of purpose planted years ago may finally be taking root. I’ve been working part-time and loving it. I’m pursuing a writing career in earnest with encouraging results. I’ve taken a few classes. I’ve even picked up my camera again.

Physical or mental illness, grief, and disappointment can leave us feeling isolated and in a very dark place. Still, these same dark places and periods of dormancy can facilitate the growth necessary to eventually produce fruitful results.

The seeds I plant in my garden require isolation, a few downpours, and a fair amount of heat if they are ever to grown into the plants I desire. These same conditions in our own lives often cause discomfort, distress, and leave us searching for God. The promise of a blooming season can seem long lost as we linger in the dark.

Yet, transformation occurs in the dark. Beneath the surface roots form. What was once a seed evolves into something entirely different.

God does the same with us.

In our painfully quiet times, we can gain wisdom and clarity that would not otherwise be found. The darkest times in my life forced me to rethink and regroup—reconsider visions and dreams that faded long ago.

Dark places aren’t necessarily bad spaces. Everyone talks of Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, but little is mentioned about that Silent Saturday where Jesus was alone and entombed in the dark. When He emerged, some of the people closest to Jesus did not recognized him.

Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” John 20:14-15 NKJV

If our Father felt it necessary to transform His Son in the dark and away from everyone else, surely each us can be transformed during our darkest days as well.

Allow your dark places to prepare you for your purpose and the harvest yet to come…

By Lilka Finley Raphael

Author, Editor, Gardner, Photographer, Pharmacist

25 comments

  3. Dear Lilka, it is so good to see the fruit the Lord has been working during your dormancy. Praying for His tender hands and the watering of His Holy Spirit will bring forth more fruit. Blessings for the days ahead. 🙂

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    1. We strive to be like Jesus, yet we forget that Jesus had to grow into the role of the Messiah just as we have to grow into the people God purposed us to become. Jesus went away at times to be alone. We find ourselves alone at times for the same purpose which is remove distractions and to grow nearer to the Father. We often forget that transformation takes time in our instamatic gotta have it now world.

      So glad you stopped by. Peace and Blessing to you!

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  8. Glad to hear from you. Grief takes a long time to process. I never really got over the deaths of either of my parents. Even though they have both been good for about 25 years. Usually I avoid going to Church on Mother’s day but I’m working on a project with my Church so I’ll slog through my depression for the greater good.
    I started working part time at The Brooklyn Public Library in January. Keeps me busy and I need the money. I’m looking forward to turning 62 in February 2021 so I can collect my Social Security.

    Photography has been a major part of my life for years and when invitations arrive I display my artwork in various Art Shows. Plus in January I started measuring my walking distance exercises with the Samsung Fitness App.

    All of the above help me cope with my anxiety, panic attacks and depression.

    Of when I’m able spending time with my brother Stephen is the best. Stephen turned 58 on May 3rd. We went to the American Museum of Natural History and the next day we saw Avengers Endgame. Fun times.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! It has definitely been a journey. The second year was surprisingly harder than the first but I’m pushing through.

      Your wisdom, experience and encouraging words are GREATLY appreciated. Thank you so much for sharing.

      I forgot that Stephen’s and Landon’s birthdays are so close. Landon saw the movie to celebrate his birthday as well 🙂 Peace and Blessing to you!

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