We often groan under the load of trials, pain and uncertainty. We long for that time when we will finally reach the golden shores of Heaven and experience the full richness of unsullied joy when we see Jesus -- actually look upon His face and worship at His nail-pierced feet. But for the present there are mounting difficulties; when it seems like things can't get worse, they do. However we also remember --
-- There cannot be a song in the night (Job 35:10, Psalms 42:8, 77:6) unless it is night. It is in the long, seemingly endless night times of life that we have our greatest need for God's song.
-- Why the periods of suffering and darkness?
Because God has forgotten us? No, indeed! So He can make us richer than we ever dreamed. (Isaiah 45:3) I will give thee the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places. The treasures of darkness cannot be given unless it is dark because they truly are the treasures of darkness; those precious jewels revealed in the gloom of the deepest mines. The hidden riches become ours when we live in the secret place near to the heart of God and hear Him whisper our name.
Why must it be night when God teaches us His song?
Why must it be in the darkness of the deepest valleys that the Lord reveals the richest treasures?
I think ... I ponder ... I meditate ...
We are God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). Just think! We are the workmanship of the Almighty Sovereign Creator. And certainly His work is more important than any work of ours. But what does His work consist of -- what is it for -- what does it mean?
God is giving back to us all that was lost in Adam.
The details and circumstances of our lives are the building blocks He uses as He is actually restoring us to the Divine image, conforming us to the image of His dear Son (Romans 8:29).
This perspective gives us a new slant on the difficulties in life. If we can grasp the immense privilege and the holy significance of being molded by Eternal Majesty, our groaning will turn to longing that we will in no way hinder His workmanship. In the darkness our complaining about God's construction tools will change to sharing with Him those very implements to dig for treasure. Then we will stop looking for answers and look for God Himself. Then our difficulties will take on a precious radiance as God reveals more of Himself and shows us His glory -- His glory in the very work He is doing in us. In the night, the painful night that is so black we cannot see, we will learn to sing God's song and, with an increasingly grateful heart, sing back to Him, "I would be like Jesus."
The Master Sculptor makes His selection. To any eye but His, His choice is just a formless lump of marble. But the Sculptor sees deeper and He has Something to portray. Just as He selected His material, He selects His tools, each one perfectly suited for His workmanship on the particular material. Yet each tool seems to be an instrument of pain. He hammers ... He cuts ... He chisels ... He carves ... and, astonishingly, from that previously misshapen chunk of marble, He draws out hidden beauty and creates transforming loveliness.
What is the purpose? What is the portrayal?
The increasing glory of the marble, as the hammering and chiseling continue, is the reflection and image of the Sculptor.
This is why we are here on Planet Earth. We are precious and chosen and being shaped so that, in all the vicissitudes of life, we will show our world what God is like.