A few weeks ago, our elderly neighbor, Mr. Jim, called us in the middle of the night. We’d instructed him to do so should a need arise. It did. His bride of sixty years plus had fallen in the bathroom, and he couldn’t get her back on her feet. Billy was able to help out and to save our neighbors another 911 call.
Since that time, I check on them every morning. Not with a phone call or a visit but, instead, with a single glance out my window. I look for the familiar lamplight in their den. If it’s glowing, I breathe a sigh of relief. The lustrous warmth from behind their window pane tells me one thing.
They made it safely through the night till morning.
In many ways their certainty serves as mine. I, too, made it safely through the night till morning. Seeing their light reflects back on that fact that my lamplight is also burning… lit and fueled by a night’s worth of resting. I cannot see it as it’s happening—this collection of rest that gathers in the folds of my flesh as I slumber in the dark. But each new morning, I’m reminded that what I cannot see happening in the dark—cannot manage nor manipulate while in an altered state of consciousness—is often the strength that carries me through the daylight hours.
God is the Keeper of that darkness. God superintends the gathering and collection of strength as I rest. I’m not always comfortable with the conditions of that rest. Many have been the nights when I’ve fought the constraints of my darkness, wrestled with the unknown realities of nighttime, only to arrive depleted by dawn’s arrival. Rather than giving in to a normal, nocturnal cycle, I rally against it. I burn a candle in defiance, refusing to let the night do its work in me. Those are times of lesser faith… lesser trust in the God who keeps vigil for me.
Oh to be a woman of faith who doesn’t run from the darkness but, instead, who believes God to see her safely through till morning. A “kept” woman—kept safe, kept warm, kept closely, kept wholly by the Father who draws his children closely to his heart and who uses their darkness as the growing field of a tremendous, unshakeable trust.
I’ve been through a dark night, friends. A long, drawn-out season of nocturnal growth. As the dawn approaches, I don’t feel as rested as I’d like. Some night seasons require more than others. But of one thing I am certain…
I am stronger for the night I have known, because God has kept vigil for me.
A dark night with a vigilant God grows a stronger spirit. God is the candle that stands in the shadows of our sleep and that keeps our hearts fueled for the arrival of dawn. A new day, a new season to live as a certain witness to the night’s growth that has preceded it.
Today, I’m a witness. You are as well. We’ve made it through another night, and our candles are still burning. You may not be aware of it, but you have a few neighbors—a friend, a family member, a co-worker, a stranger—who are looking through their windows into yours this morning to make sure that your lamplight is on. Your light is important to them. It shines as a testimony to a night’s rest, a night’s trust, a night’s growth, a night’s vigilance by a loving God. He kept you then; he keeps you still.
Thanks be to God for the keeping, reaching hold of grace! God is growing his kingdom in you and through you… even in the darkness. The light from your window strengthens me. Thank you for allowing me a look inward from time to time. As always…
Peace for the journey,
elaine
In many ways YOUR certainty serves as mine! God IS the keeper of my darkness. Dawn WILL break. Soon it will morning.
We learn from the dark nights, especially if we consider them gifts for increasing our faith. Great post; thanks for sharing these thoughts.
Goodness but it's hard to type with tears burning/stinging my eyes! I only made it to "They made it safely through the night till morning." before I started crying! This post was so very touching in so many ways Elaine!
I pray God's blessings on you today!
Love ya!
Marilyn
my aunt is in the 'new' dark days of widowhood…having cared for my paraplegic uncle since the age of 21, she lovingly cared for so many of his needs for 54 years. thanking God for her loving friends who check on her and praying He gives her the rest she needs as she learns this new season
I remember reading from a book by Ann Spangler of a "conversation" she had with God about her fear of flying. He asked her, "What are you afraid of?" She replied in her thoughts, "That the plane might crash." God: "What will happen to you if it does?" Ann: "I'll be in heaven with you." God: "So what are you afraid of?"
It made me smile to read that and as I've read your thoughts on the darkness it reminds me of the same thing. Either I believe God is keeping vigil and watching out for me as I go through stages of life or circumstances, or he isn't. If I profess that he does, then what am I afraid of?
I check on the lights around my neighborhood from my windows too. I'm such a mom! lol
Many lessons are learned through dark nights. We are being refined.
There may be weeping for a short time but morning will bring joy.
What wonderful imagery! Thank you for your encouragement. Grateful for a God who is working in us even when we slumber… and even when we don't. Love you!
I'm starting see the light of dawn after a long night myself. And I can say I'm stronger for the night. Wow, where would I be if He did not keep me?
Beautiful words, my friend. I so love your writing! Make sure you are sitting down…I posted on blogger! Will wonders never cease? Love you!!
Susan
Your spirit pours out here. Love and warm comfort that only He can inspire. Beautiful. Praise God for your love to your neighbors! And thank you for introducing yourself.
So much of this post touched my heart and I can identify with you so well. I have wrestled with a season of nights too. But I always come back to the same thing…He cares for me…He loves me with an everlasting love…He is keeping vigil over me….love it. I am happy for your neighbors that you are there for them. Hope you have a good week! HUGS
Your light strengthens me, too, Elaine. So many comforting thoughts in this post, but also a great reminder that others are looking for my light. I pray that they will always see my Light as they look my way…
Somehow I can just picture you standing at your window in search of your neighbor's lamplight.
Years ago, during a particularly rugged darkness my sister Dolores said to me: "It may be on top of you at this moment, but you will be on top of it soon." Thank God we have His witness of morning and evening AND, it is good!
Love,
Kathleen
thank you for encouraging me daily with your journey.
In 100 years I wouldn't be able to say it like you do, but I can assure you that my heart is agreeing with every word.
I've watched for the light, and been relieved in the morning that it was still burning.
That He keeps the vigil all through the night is everything. The light will never go out.
During the many desolate nights of this last year, I've cried and raged, not at God so much, but at the fact that my precious James is no longer here. I rejoice that he's with God and His Son, that his death was quick and unexpected. We should all be so blessed, but my heart selfishly breaks that he's not with me.
Last Fall, on one of those dark nights, I surrendered to God with the full understanding that He knows what's best for me and James. The heaviness was lifted from me, and three months later, I continue to see with a clarity like never before. While this may change, I have no desire to take back control. I am grateful that the Father is keeping vigil over me. It is His light, and that of His Son, that guides me.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Bless you my friend, for being such a beautiful inspiration in my life. I love you.
Elaine, I tried to leave a reply because for some reason, blogger won't let me do it in the usual comment box…
Thank you for being a neighbor to me. You have been a light in my darkness, that is for sure. Your tenacious faith has been an encouragement to me – and all I can say is thank you. For holding on, for never letting go. You are a shining light to many.
The words you have written here express what is on my heart. But you are a poetess Elaine, yet ever so humble. Thank you for letting me in. Really I no longer feel like a stranger standing outside your window, but a friend allowed to share a cup of tea with you. What a privilege!
Love
Lidia
I'm using a new feature by blogger… the reply feature is for replying to someone else's comment… I think. Anyway, I see your comment now. Love you!
ARISE [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you–rise to a new life]! Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you!
For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and dense darkness [all] peoples, but the Lord shall arise upon you [O Jerusalem], and His glory shall be seen on you. ~ Isa 60: 1-2 (Amplified)
Love you!! Pamela
Aw, Elaine. "A dark night with a vigilant God grows a stronger spirit." Wonderful words that hold so much truth, if we would but see it, search for it, know it.
The Lord has brought me through much, as He has you, as He has your readers. Aren't we blessed! Thank you Lord!
And may he richly bless you as you have blessed me dear friend.
Hugs ~ Danie Marie
What a beautiful post…so glad you checked in…I have been such a bad blogger through tree season…Am ready to get back to it….Hope you are doing well….
Love,
Teresa
wifeforthejourney:
How grateful I am for God's vigilance and how He watches over us. I am also a man richly blessed to have a wife who watches over me, counsel with me, helps me night and day. Though we are, as yet, still far from 60 years together I know if I fall, who I can count on to help me get back up again!
You are the best honey! Thank you Lord for watching over us all,
Love,
Billy
Oh Elaine, that was such a beautiful post. I love that idea of being a "kept" woman, kept and held by God all through the night, (and day) I have had my share of tossing and turning 🙂 Bless you, Lori
Beautiful! I could feel the warmth of the sun oozing in the window pane after a sleepless night. The Lord has kept watch and all is well. Thank you beautiful friend. Needed this.
I'm with Lori–the thought of being a kept woman makes me smile. I feel the tired here, Faith Elaine. What a blessing you are, my friend. Not just to mr. Jim but to those waiting through the long night with you. Thank you for the ways you share. And the ways you encourage.
a kept woman indeed – a woman of faith – may the sweet Lord help us all to be women that hunger and thirst after Him and long to do as He would do!
this is truly such an encouragement to me. i know for a fact that God has saved me and kept watch over me in my darkest days.
I received the book, and beautiful notecards. Thank you so much, love you.
Stopping in to give you [[HUGS]] from NJ but also found myself to be very blessed by this post about Our Father who keeps us through the night! One of my favorite songs is
Away in a Manger
because there is a line that says: "Stay by my cradle til morning in nigh". I actually say that often to the Lord as a request for Him to keep me through the night or through the darkness of the unknown place where I mind find myself in life. He is faithful to keep watch over me and to show me His Presence even in the darkest place! Praise Him!
In the Fullness of His JOY,
Stephanie
I've kept a vigil by my window on many occasion, surrounded by darkness, waiting for the light of day. One thing I do know…joy cometh in the morning.
Another wonderful post, friend…missing you lots, already thinking about when we might get together again. Give your sweet family big hugs from me.
Love you dearly…
(My previous post had part of the message deleted. Don't know what happened.)
thinking of you. thank you for the way you have encouraged me over the years. love.
you bless me always. thank you, elaine.