{"id":7732,"date":"2025-12-09T20:39:14","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T01:39:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=7732"},"modified":"2026-01-25T11:44:55","modified_gmt":"2026-01-25T16:44:55","slug":"until-the-darkness-fades-3-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/?p=7732","title":{"rendered":"(The Everlasting Way) Until the Darkness Fades"},"content":{"rendered":"

I don\u2019t take advantage of it much, but one of my favorite times of day is right after the sun peaks over the eastern sky. Where we live, in a uniquely rural neighborhood in the midlands of South Carolina, trees block the horizon. However, I can still make out the soft bands of peach, lavender and rose as the sky slowly fades into a pale blue beyond the shadows of the pines.<\/p>\n

In early fall, the drying of our wide variety of oak tree leaves releases a dry and nutty fragrance as the time of harvest begins. And oh, those acorns! This year they seem larger and many more than ever before.<\/p>\n

The fallen pine needles emit a strong resinous scent, mingling with the sweetness of decaying foliage. Our tea olive blooms give off a soft fragrance, which I\u2019ve always associated with heaven.<\/p>\n

A gentle cool breeze brushes over my bald head and exposed skin as a welcome salve from months of summer heat. Breathing in deeply, the dawn air tastes clean and mineral rich.<\/p>\n

Melodious bird songs awaken the quiet night. A neighbor\u2019s rooster crows in boisterous glee.<\/p>\n

Such are the marvels of a new day.<\/p>\n

But in all the splendor, perhaps the fading of the veil of darkness most lightens our souls.<\/p>\n

Jacob wrestled with a mysterious man throughout the night. At daybreak, God gave him a new name, Isreal (He that strives with God). Then he limped away, transformed. [1]<\/p>\n

During the first Passover in Egypt, the Israelites endured the darkness of death throughout the night. At dawn, they began their journey of freedom, having been released from bondage. [2]<\/p>\n

Light, as it brightens many a dark night of the soul, ushers in the hope of a new day and the fading of darkness.<\/p>\n

In this World you will Have Trouble<\/span><\/h3>\n

I\u2019ve been thinking a lot lately about our human endeavor to remain courageous while the storms of life swirl all around us. From Jesus\u2019 own words, we know tribulation is a part of our journey, and He calls us to remain courageous. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (<\/em>John 16:33<\/strong><\/em>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

But how? How do we remain courageous with so much darkness?<\/p>\n

The twinge of grey in a predawn sky, which brightens with the rising sun, carries with it the mercies of a new day.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0Lord\u2019s\u00a0lovingkindnesses indeed never cease.<\/em><\/span>
\nFor His compassions never fail.<\/em><\/span>
\n23\u00a0They\u00a0are new\u00a0every morning;<\/em><\/span>
\nGreat is Your faithfulness (<\/em>Lamentations 3:22-23<\/strong><\/em>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The smallest ray of God\u2019s loving, healing light can illuminate the darkness in a human heart and grow ever brighter.<\/p>\n

But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day (<\/em>Proverbs 4:18<\/strong><\/em>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

May this Cup Pass<\/span><\/h3>\n

Jesus, in His humanity, asked God to remove the cup of suffering. He prayed earnestly until blood dropped from His pores. He longed for His Father\u2019s purposes to be accomplished differently. But He always submitted to God\u2019s will no matter how it affected Him.<\/p>\n

“Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done (<\/em>Luke 22:42<\/strong><\/em>).\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

There are situations in my life right now that are very hard. But by the strength of God’s Indwelling Spirit. I want to keep earnestly praying for His love and healing touch to break through.<\/p>\n

And always to surrender, as Jesus did, to Father God’s will in my life. And always to trust in His great love.<\/p>\n

Darkness in the Land<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

There’s plenty of darkness all around. People we love are sick. People have broken relationships. Loved ones do not know Your love and will spend eternity without You. Folks are lonely, addicted, jobless and homeless. When we see these troubles, we can easily become discouraged.<\/p>\n

Yet, we’re to expect trials and to remain courageous.\u00a0Knowing this, and realizing God\u2019s greater purposes, we keep asking for His light to shine in the darkness, around us and in us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Praying for Light\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

But even as our hearts are being transformed and healing light shines around, darkness remains in our land. Do I allow it to steal my courage and zap my joy? Or, do they become the impetuous to follow Jesus\u2019 example of earnest prayer? If this darkness is keeping me praying, it must serve some purpose.<\/p>\n

As Graham Cooke stated on his podcast Brilliant Perspectives, \u201cGod has allowed in His wisdom what He could have prevented in His power.\u201d<\/p>\n

Praying and Not Giving Up<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

I\u2019m learning not to hang my welfare on my happiness. I\u2019m learning to draw my contentment from what Christ has already done, my hope for His return, my righteousness in His accomplishments,<\/p>\n

I pray and never give up.<\/p>\n

Rejoice always;\u00a017\u00a0pray without ceasing;\u00a018\u00a0in everything give thanks; for this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus (<\/em>I Thessalonians 5:16-18<\/strong><\/em>).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful (<\/em>Colossians 4:2<\/strong><\/em> NIV).<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Prayer<\/span><\/h3>\n

Lord, I\u2019m really not good at consistent praying, but I want this to change. I\u2019ve seen light emerge in very long difficulties, and some remain completely dark.<\/em><\/p>\n

Please give me the persistence and self-control to remain vigilant in prayer. My mind so often wanders.<\/em><\/p>\n

Jesus, even as the Son of God, You prayed earnestly and often, getting up early before sunrise to be alone with Your Father. [3]<\/em><\/p>\n

Lord, like anything else in life, apart from You, I can do nothing of real value. [4] Please develop in me a tenacity and consistency in prayer. I can\u2019t do it without Your Spirit.<\/em><\/p>\n

I love You<\/em><\/p>\n

Reflection<\/span><\/h3>\n

My bride has created what she calls a war room, inspired by the book and film of the same name. [5]<\/p>\n

It\u2019s part of her office on our second floor.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

So far, I haven\u2019t used it as a prayer room, but I\u2019d like to see that change.<\/p>\n

On her walls, she has pictures of our family and those we hold dear. There\u2019s much joy that springs forth from these photos and symbols, but also much pain. I hope to spend time in this warrior room, praying circles around all we hold near.<\/p>\n

As I pray, I want to surrender idols in my own heart which would choose comfort and false affection above God, my Highest Joy.<\/p>\n

I keep on praying until the darkness fades<\/p>\n

[1] Genesis 32:24-31<\/p>\n

[2] Exodus 12<\/p>\n

[3] Luke 5:16<\/p>\n

[4] John 15;5<\/p>\n

[5] War Room<\/u> is a book by Chris Fabry turned into a movie by The Kendrick Brothers<\/p>\n

Note: <\/strong>Unless otherwise noted, all referenced Scripture is from the NASB 1995 version of the Bible.<\/p>\n

Other posts in our Everlasting Way Series:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Learning How to Overcome Emotional Numbness<\/a><\/p>\n

Embracing God\u2019s Amazing Love<\/a><\/p>\n

Are we More Like Batman or Spider-Man<\/a><\/p>\n

Transforming Awareness: The Power of God\u2019s Love<\/a><\/p>\n

Minding Your Busyness<\/a><\/p>\n

Our Deepest Longings Filled<\/a><\/p>\n

Rules Don’t Rule<\/a><\/p>\n

Mice in the Sock Drawer<\/a><\/p>\n

Turning Gainers into Drainers<\/a><\/p>\n

Joy in the Journey is about the gladness of God\u2019s nearness in the midst of life\u2019s adventures.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Subscribe to get email notifications of new posts. We post a few times a month. Thank you for reading.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Robby Buck<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Nonfiction books by the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

This collection of devotionals chronicles a heartfelt journey from a life of striving and self-reliance to one of growing surrender and trust in God.<\/p>\n

Through personal stories of family struggles, cancer, grief, and unexpected trials, the devotions show that true, unshakeable joy comes not from perfect circumstances, but from the constant, loving presence of Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an invitation to learn to let go of our burdens and find growing peace in God\u2019s greater story.<\/p>\n

Finding Joy in Life\u2019s Moments<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Because joy is rooted in God and is eternal, it doesn\u2019t ebb and flow with the waves of circumstances. In fact, as we grow in our understanding of joy, we can even experience it more acutely when life is hard. Why? Because God uses trials to conform us into the image of Christ. With this awareness, which gives us glimpses of God\u2019s greater purposes, we rejoice because of His masterful work to free us from needing anything but Him.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

For these reasons, and many others, joy in the Lord is commanded in scripture. It\u2019s not just a good idea, it\u2019s vital to our journey as human beings.\u00a0Rhythms of Joy<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Novels by the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

What happens when a professor figures out how to send messages to his younger self to try and avoid the suicide of his best friend? Did he change more than he bargained for?\u00a0\u00a0Beyond Time<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

By finding two undelivered letters in an old shack deep in the woods, Cassie and Daniel unknowingly set off a series of events which uncovers a plot to wipe out a whole family.\u00a0Hope Remains<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Please Check out the\u00a0\u00a0Cola City Podcast<\/a>\u00a0. Discussions that impact the vision of reaching every man, woman, and child in a city.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

I don\u2019t take advantage of it much, but one of my favorite times of day is right after the sun peaks over the eastern sky. Where we live, in a uniquely rural neighborhood in the midlands of South Carolina, trees block the horizon. However, I can still make out the soft bands of peach, lavender and rose as the sky slowly fades into a pale blue beyond the shadows of the pines.<\/p>\n

In early fall, the drying of our wide variety of oak tree leaves releases a dry and nutty fragrance as the time of harvest begins. And oh, those acorns! This year they seem larger and many more than ever before.<\/p>\n

The fallen pine needles emit a strong resinous scent, mingling with the sweetness of decaying foliage. Our tea olive blooms give off a soft fragrance, which I\u2019ve always associated with heaven.<\/p>\n

A gentle cool breeze brushes over my bald head and exposed skin as a welcome salve from months of summer heat. Breathing in deeply, the dawn air tastes clean and mineral rich.<\/p>\n

Melodious bird songs awaken the quiet night. A neighbor\u2019s rooster crows in boisterous glee.<\/p>\n

Such are the marvels of a new day.<\/p>\n

But in all the splendor, perhaps the fading of the veil of darkness most lightens our souls.<\/p>\n

Jacob wrestled with a mysterious man throughout the night. At daybreak, God gave him a new name, Isreal (He that strives with God). Then he limped away, transformed. [1]<\/p>\n

During the first Passover in Egypt, the Israelites endured the darkness of death throughout the night. At dawn, they began their journey of freedom, having been released from bondage. [2]\u00a0<\/p>\n

Light, as it brightens many a dark night of the soul, ushers in the hope of a new day and the fading of darkness.<\/p>\n

In this World you will Have Trouble<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve been thinking a lot lately about our human endeavor to remain courageous while the storms of life swirl all around us. From Jesus\u2019 own words, we know tribulation is a part of our journey, and He calls us to remain courageous. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).<\/p>\n

But how? How do we remain courageous with so much darkness?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[927,3508],"tags":[3511,942,1207,443,958,940,3516,2447,849,1474,2107,931,764,2356,947,2180,956,405,933,3514,509,945,929,170,39,948,58,957,3512,133,1984,513,3513,2998,20,943,944,950,941,932,955,3510,2012,156,953,3509,946,939,352,1519,934,930,471,3517,577,3515],"class_list":["post-7732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-earnest-prayer","category-prayer-never-ceasing","tag-acorns","tag-addicted","tag-birds-singing","tag-bondage","tag-brilliant-perspectives","tag-broken-relationships","tag-chris-fabry","tag-colossians-42","tag-complete-in-christ","tag-cool-breeze","tag-courageous","tag-cup-of-suffering","tag-darkness","tag-egypt","tag-enlightenment","tag-exodus-12","tag-father-god","tag-freedom","tag-garden-of-gethsemane","tag-genesis-3224-31","tag-god","tag-gods-greater-purposes","tag-gods-light","tag-gods-love","tag-gods-nearness","tag-gods-persistent-work","tag-gods-presence","tag-graham-cooke","tag-heavenly-scent","tag-homeless","tag-i-thessalonians-516-18","tag-idols","tag-isreal","tag-jacob","tag-jesus","tag-jobless","tag-john-1633","tag-joy-in-his-presence","tag-lonely","tag-luke-2242","tag-mark-batterson","tag-oaks","tag-our-highest-joy","tag-passover","tag-penetrate-the-darkness","tag-pines","tag-proverbs-418","tag-sick-people","tag-south-carolina","tag-splendor","tag-sweeting-blood","tag-take-this-cup","tag-tea-olive","tag-the-kendrick-brother","tag-troubles","tag-war-room"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7732"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7880,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7732\/revisions\/7880"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/joy-in-the-journey.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}