GETTING OUT OF THE DARK FOREST

“Your word is a lamp that gives light wherever I walk.” (Psalm 119:105 Contemporary English Version)

Participating in a senior scout rendezvous, a group of older young boys were required to spend the night in the woods, near a far-eastside reservoir. To one of the boys, it was a challenge comparable to being a contestant on one of the televised, wilderness survival shows. The adult leader of the troop was permitted to return to the comfort of his home overnight, while the boys, with little or no training to develop camping skills, were left with no real leadership. In a dark forest, surrounded by tall trees, the light blocked by a heavy layer of clouds, the howling sounds of a strong wind seeming to be of a never-ending nature, the sound of crickets, and the sight of species of insects that were of a size larger than the normal city bugs; in this dark forest the boys were to spend the night.

As if the ominous darkness and all the distinct characteristics I just named were not enough, a heavy rain started to fall; a rain that surely would compete with the downpour reported in Noah’s times. The boys got out of their tents and began to dig trenches around their temporary shelters to keep the rain from entering. It was a sight to behold. The boys attacking the ground with small axes and shovels doing their best, but the rain would not be defeated. It came into the tents, along with some of those insects referred to above. The one boy who felt he was a survival contestant made up his mind to get out of the dark forest. He traveled north in the forest, feeling his way through, tripping over fallen branches, stepping on uneven, muddy soil, and finally he came to the main road. From a distance he could see a light, and he decided to walk towards the light down the darkened throughfare. Eventually, the boy came to a dock area where there were a few lights. The rain continued for a while, but the boy was just happy to be out of the dark forest. Following the light was a good choice and he remained near the water until daylight overcame the darkness. He had come out of the dark forest and since that experience, over five decades later, he has never put himself in that position again.

This was a true story, but there is true meaning found in this happening that will benefit you. Listen! Whenever you find yourself in a dark forest of life, decide to walk toward the light. And as the boy in the aforementioned account decided, make up your mind that in the years to come, you will never put yourself in that position again.

I don’t know what your dark forest may be; don’t; know if it is a relationship dark forest, a bad habit dark forest, a wandering away from the Lord dark forest, a lack of hope dark forest, or an unnamed dark forest, again I encourage you to make up your mind to walk towards the light and never put yourself in that position again. Apply this specific message, specifically to your life. Have a great walk…in the light! Be blessed!

“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  (John 8:12 New King James Version)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King