Halloween brings our gaze to the dark side.  We recoil from this emphasis on darkness, possibly because it reminds us of  the dark times in our own lives. . . those dark days and nights that were brought on by pain, loss, depression, loneliness, or just a string of little disappointments that threatened to undo us.  In fact, we’re slapped in the face with darkness every time we hear of a friend’s illness, see the news, or sense the shadows of fear in our own hearts.  We can’t deny darkness or escape it.  But we can run to the God who cares.

“I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.”  Psalm 40:1-2 

“I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles.”  Psalm 142:2

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”  Psalm 145:18

God knows us completely. A dear friend and I recently got onto the topic of health.  (Yep, older people end up on this subject often!). We were talking about vitamins and supplements when she off-handedly remarked that she didn’t think the Lord cares what supplements she takes.  Her comment surprised me because I think he is intimately concerned about us.  We should invite him into every corner of our lives. After all, nothing is too small to talk to him about because he enters into the details of our lives.  We aren’t left alone to figure things out.  He didn’t save us and then send us out by ourselves to do life.  He is so limitless that he can pay attention to the prayers of all those on earth and heaven.  The mundaneness of our lives doesn’t put him off.  He comes to us in our everyday grind.  This is a comfort to me.   

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”  Jesus in Luke 12:6-7

“O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.”  Psalm 40:5

God is hands-on.  A new believer once said to me, “I know I shouldn’t ask God for a bunch of things.  I guess I only have three wishes, so I better be careful what I ask for.  I should save some for when I’m really desperate.”  He didn’t yet understand that the Lord invites us to constant conversation. God is delighted when we come to him.  He loves for us to bring him our needs, our feelings, our  worries, our thanks, and our questions.  

“O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.”  Psalm 62:8

“And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the Lord sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him.”  1 Chronicles 28:9

God is compassionate.  When we feel down, discouraged, and want to give up, he  doesn’t give up on us.  He knows our weaknesses and has compassion on us.  He doesn’t berate us or tell us to keep our chin up.  He comes alongside and holds us.  

“He [the Lord] lifted them up and carried them
through all the years.”  Isaiah 63:9

“The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.””  Exodus 34:6

“The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.”  Psalm 103:13-14

God is with us in our pain.  Our Savior, who suffered himself, understands. When I’m hurting, I remember that the hand that holds mine is scarred and he knows.

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
 I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God, your Savior.”  Isaiah 43:1-3

“. . . he became their Savior.
In all their suffering he also suffered,
and he personally rescued them.
In his love and mercy he redeemed them.”
  Isaiah 63:9

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Jesus in Matthew 28:20

So when darkness threatens to smother you, pour out your heart to your loving, faithful, compassionate, intimate, understanding, patient, and listening God.