Isaiah 45:3, New Living Translation

"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness - secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name."

"For You will light my lamp; The Lord my God will enlighten my darkness." (Psalms 18:28, NKJV)

Is it possible that in the darkest moments, the greatest beauty can emerge? I have often thought about the refiners’ fire written about in the Bible. Silver is heated at immense temperatures to burn off all the impurities. But with that heat comes light, not darkness. Then again, it’s darkest right before the light.

Often in darkness something amazingly beautiful begins happening. Diamonds are formed in darkness, photographs need darkness to develop, when a new day begins it's dark, and human life is formed in the darkness of our mother's womb.

The idea that beautiful things can emerge from life's darkest times is a powerful truth if you have faith and believe that. God has a purpose, and adversity can be a catalyst for personal growth, resilience, and renewed hope. 

Biblical scriptures reveal that God uses darkness, trials, and suffering as a canvas to produce beautiful things. From the creation of the world to the New Testament, the Bible demonstrates that God brings forth restoration, character, and new life in the midst of darkness.

So, how is God at work in darkness?

God is active in the darkness: Even before creation's light, God's Spirit was present in the darkness. Genesis 1:2 states that God is present in the darkness.

God brings light out of darkness: The Bible connects God's act of bringing light from darkness in creation to His work of bringing spiritual light into the hearts of believers. Verses like 1 Peter 2:9 declare that God calls people out of spiritual darkness into His light.

God reveals treasures and purpose in the dark: Isaiah 45:3 says that God gives "treasures of darkness," suggesting that valuable things can be found in difficult circumstances. The story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20 illustrates how God can use the evil intentions of others for a good, redemptive purpose. Romans 5:3–4 explains that suffering can lead to endurance, character, and hope. In 1 Peter 5:10 we are assured believers that suffering is temporary and God will restore and strengthen them. 

We can have growth from our trials. Trials and suffering produce endurance, character, and hope. When viewed through a lens of faith, difficult times are not just to be endured but are opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity.

As Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, God "has made everything beautiful in its time." This idea encourages a shift in perspective, moving away from instant gratification and toward trusting that God's timing is perfect, transforming chaos into beauty and restoring hope. 

Don’t ever doubt that He is with you through the greatest times of darkness. Bringing purpose and beauty through it all. He’s never forgotten. He’s still in control. He calls you by name.

God desires union with each of us. Oneness. Intimate fellowship. That may require darkness to come into our lives. You could call it refinement. Embracing it is the key to healing and healing is the key to intimacy with God. Knowing that in the darkest times of our lives, when sin and the enemy of light seem to be winning, victory and freedom await us – just beyond the darkness.

Embrace the brokenness. Embrace the darkness. In it, your beauty will be evident. Bloom right where you are. Freedom awaits.