I’m not a big reader of poetry, but I came across a piece recently that caused me pause.

Someone I loved once gave me
a box full of darkness.

It took me years to understand
that this, too, was a gift.

The Uses of Sorrow | Mary Oliver

Darkness as a gift?    

I was left to wonder exactly what the author meant… ”Darkness as a gift?”

Unquestionably, in life there is darkness.    Certainly, there are hard times.   Trials. 

Job understood this:

For man is born for trouble, 
As sparks fly upward.
Job 5:7

Jesus knew this:

“In the world you have tribulation,.…”
John 16:33b

Indeed, troublesome days are a given.  It is a universal truth.    An across the board reality.

It has been said that you are either about to enter into a trial, in a trial, or coming out of a trial.

The same poet also penned…  “It is a serious thing / just to be alive / on this fresh morning / in this broken world.”    Invitation.

Yet in these rather discouraging words, I note perhaps a hint of author’s hope.   

But can hope be a sure thing in a broken world?     For followers of Christ Jesus*, it can.   In fact, it is.

Though Jesus said…

“In the world you have tribulation.…”

He concluded…  

“…but take courage; I have overcome the world.” 

And this One who has overcome the world, He is outside of the darkness…

This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
1 John 1:5

We have hope because trials and tribulation, though dark to us, are governed by Christ, and thus serve with purpose.   Deep purpose.     Essential purpose.     A refining purpose.

Refining?   Like in heating metals such that the impurities come to the top and can be skimmed off?

Yes, like that…

The Psalmist understood refining…

For You have tried us, O God; 
You have refined us as silver is refined.
Psalm 66:10

And Peter…

In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:6-7

It was said of David…

“David’s pen never wrote more sweetly than when dipped in the ink of affliction. And never did his harp send forth deeper, richer melody than when the breath of sadness swept its strings. This has been the uniform testimony of the saints of God in every age. ‘It is good for me that I have been afflicted; for before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept your law.” —Octavius Winslow (Psalm 119:67)

Dipped in dark “ink of affliction.”    Discipline.  Training.   Correction.   In love.

In love?

Yes, in love.   The author of Hebrews writes…

“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, 
Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; 
For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, 
And He scourges every son whom He receives…
but He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share His holiness.
Hebrews 12:5b-6,10

Did you catch it?   See it?   Discipline that we may share God’s holiness.

Paul wrote that…

…we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:3-5

But just how long does affliction and trials last?   Well, as long as necessary, in the wisdom of our God.

Thomas Watson wrote:  “Affliction may be lasting, but it is not everlasting.”      

Beloved, affliction, even chronic affliction, is for but a season.   And its outcome?   Glorious…

As James encourages us…

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 
knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 
And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4

And Paul reminds us…

For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.
2 Corinthians 4:17

“An eternal weight of glory.”  Now that is a gift from darkness that is bright indeed.

Rod

S.D.G. – 15

P.S.    Lest we think that there is a lack of tenderness from our Christ in His use of trials, I recommend Tim Challies’ article entitled No Hand But His Ever Hold the Shears:   https://www.challies.com/articles/no-hand-but-his-ever-holds-the-shears/ 

* By repentance and faith in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of one’s sins. “…repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15b