I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name. Isaiah 45:3
How can those two words go side by side…treasures….darkness?
When I learned investigators in my case had lost the evidence (knife, mask, and gloves), my hope for healing and closure vanished. The investigator’s words crushed my dreams for prosecution and retribution. For you see, in my mind, DNA testing was going to make everything right. They would test the semen, identify the rapist, punish him, and I would be free! I would go back to living my life the way it used to be.
Without the evidence, I knew we would never find the man who raped me…who stole all I knew to be good and true in life. How could this be God’s plan? I cried out to Him…why are you doing this to me? What have I done to deserve this?
Friend, can you identify? Are you asking God these questions today? It is not an accident He brought you here this summer. He has a fresh word for you. Pray for ears to hear and a heart to receive!!
My circumstances plunged me into a pit, deeper than the one before. I truly did not know how I could go on knowing my rapist would never be punished, never have to pay for what He had done.
Decades have passed since I fell into that pit. What I know now that I wish I had known then is this:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
My understanding was that my rapist’s conviction and jail time is what I needed to be made whole…to live again.
God’s way of thinking is TOTALLY DIFFERENT. God dwells in our hearts through the Presence of His Holy Spirit. The gift of that presence is PEACE, a PEACE that passes all understanding. A PEACE that guards our hearts and minds.
God desires for our hearts to be at peace no matter our circumstances. He wants the dwelling place of His Spirit to remain undisturbed… at REST in the midst of any and all circumstances. peace. In the Old Testament, one of the Hebrew words for rest is nuwach. I love this definition I found…a rest that “indicates a complete envelopment and thus permeation.” No matter our circumstances, we can rest in confident assurance because of the permeating presence of the Holy Spirit. We REST…we can be still…we can quiet our hearts due to the reality of the Living God Who indwells us.
This Truth invites many questions:
If my company terminates me after 20 years of faithful service, will I be at rest?
If the stock market crashes and my children’s college fund loses nearly all its value, will I be at rest?
If my toddler is diagnosed with diabetes, will I be at rest?
If my husband walks out on me tomorrow, will I be at rest?
If my mother is diagnosed with breast cancer, will I be at rest?
The hard truth is that our unrest, our worry, our anxiety is a symptom of unbelief…unbelief that God is good. Unbelief that He is Sovereign. Unbelief that God has plans to give us a hope and a future. Unbelief that He is the Author and perfecter of our faith. Really, it is unbelief that He is Who He says He is and that He will do what He says. Unbelief that His Word is Truth.
Floundering in unbelief, keeping our eyes on our circumstances rather than on our God keeps us from finding the promised treasures in our darkness. We need FAITH to find those treasures. FAITH to believe God for those treasures.
Hebrews 11:1 says,
Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Where do we get this faith? Romans 10:17 says,
Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ.
According to this verse, faith comes not from circumstances, feelings, or emotions, but from hearing God’s Word. In fact, faith has nothing to do with circumstances. Martin Luther wrote, “We must not judge by what we feel or by what we see before us. The Word must be followed and we must firmly hold that these truths are to be believed, not experienced…For the Word must be believed even when we feel and experience what differs entirely from the Word. Hidden Joy, p. 52.
Second Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Beth Moore writes, “Christ is not asking us to believe in our ability to exercise unwavering faith. He is asking us to believe He is able.”
According to our main verse, Isaiah 45:3 quoted above, sometimes we must walk through darkness to KNOW GOD IS LORD OVER ALL…to know HE IS THE GREAT I AM. It is in our journey to healing that we will receive rich blessings and treasures.
The choice is ours. We can remain in our pit with a victim mentality. Or we can CHOOSE to accept our circumstances. We can believe God at His Word, that He is Able to bring us through and along the journey give us His treasures stored in secret places…places that we could never find them but for our circumstances.
Please hear me sometimes the journey is long and arduous. As I wrote on page 62…At times, my darkness seemed to suffocate me. Other times I experienced God in powerful and obvious ways. The journey to healing has steps forward and steps backward…but no matter which direction your steps take, GOD IS WITH YOU!! Look for Him to reveal Himself. It may be in a verse, in a conversation with a friend, in the lyrics of a song, in a sermon at church, or even a commercial on t.v. ONE TRUTH IS CERTAIN, GOD WILL SPEAK. HE WILL SHOW UP!!
Your participation: Choose from among the following: share the truths you learned about trials from the Scriptures in Question 2. From Question 4, share your thoughts on the “Refiners Fire.” From Question 5, if you have found treasures in your darkness, please share them with us and how God revealed them to you. Finally, if you have ways that you have used to find “REST,” share them with us.
This Week’s Assignment: Read Chapter 5, “On the Mat,” and complete the corresponding questions in the Study Guide located in the back of the book. Be prepared to share your answers. See you on July 15th!
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story 
All Things Wise and Wonderful: Applying God's Wisdom in Everyday Life (E-Book)
When bad things happened, I became angry and destructive and because I was so evil, I expected God to remove His presence for me. It was a bad to worse situation.
But I'm constantly amazed and humbled by God. Despite my evilness, He sent me His word, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
After that, I read about how God destroyed His enemies in Egypt and felt so pleased to have a God who dares to fight and wound the enemy.
Good morning Wendy and everyone!
Wendy, thank you! Thank you for being obedient to God in writing this book and in doing this study. I pray HE blesses your heart to overflowing with the joy and peace that follows obedience.
I am stirred once again to "search my heart" before the Lord (Psalm 139).
And HE is so faithful this past week to meet me through His Word…a few verses that go along with this wonderful study…
"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn." Isaiah 8:20
"…He humbled…He will honor…The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned." Isaiah 9:2
"But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand His plan…" Micah 4:12
"Remember your journey…that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord." Micah 6:5
Love you Wendy! See you here next week!
Can't wait!
from question #5 did I find treasure in darkness? God used a person to speak to me truth about my darkness and this person has become a friend, encourager, someone who pointed me in the direction of learning more about who I am in Christ. I am thankful for this friend. I am gaining more strength in the Lord and your study about faith not being about our feelings has given me more confidence in my relationship with my Lord. I am truly enjoying this study! thank you Wendy
Wendy, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I pray that through all our comments and through the Spirit, you will know just how much your book is truly touching lives and helping to change them in God. Your obediance in writing this book has paved the way for others to heal.
There are times that I question God and ask Him, 'Lord, why now? Why when I'm already going through so much are you taking me here now, too?"
But then I remember the scripture "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it."
There are many forms of temptation in life, so many ways for the flesh to rule us if we are not careful. Emotions can be a temptation… they tempt us to look into ourselves and try to find answers for life's problems and difficulties…they tempt us to look away from God –but it is when we look [to] Him that He provides the way out. The way out may not be an escape from our circumstances, but the strength to endure. PTL He is faithful.
I love that you asked about ? 2 because I had that one highlighted. It reminded me that we [need] trials in our lives, because without them, how would we grow? If I didn't have trials and tribulations, how would I be able to change? Would I be able to see God at work in my life? How would I know to trust Him were it not for having to [put] my trust [in] Him.
The devil would have me believe that I am alone– that I am the only one to go through the things I do. But God has shown me through the years that I have sisters and brothers out there that are going through the same things! Gods word shows me that I do.
John 16:33 is one that God brings me back to. And also Acts 14:22.
I know this is long, so I will quit with one parting thing… In your prayer at the end of this chapter, it moved me when you spoke of the scripture about receiving beauty for ashes. I love that! Crystal Lewis has a song… and yup, I'm going to give the lyrics because they are so relevant.;-)
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy oer your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
When what you've done keeps you from moving on
When fear wants to make itself at home in your heart
Know that forgiveness brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
I once was lost but God has found me
Though I was bound Ive been set free
I've been made righteous in His sight
A display of His splendor all can see
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
Wendy thank you for your comments this morning God is showing me and my family this very truth as we wait on Him concerning my husband's work. He has his own business and some of the work he had has been taken away because of the economy so we wait on God to provide new avenues of work or to change the direction of his business we are open to see what God has for us and how He will provide. Sometimes it can be scary for me and sometimes i'm ok but this phrase treasures in darkness we do understand I know God is with us and i know He will see us through. The way has been rough at times but we don't look at our circumstance but we fix our eyes on our God thanks again for this study so much is speaking to me in our circumstances Ruthie ps when the times come when i get overwhemed i ask The Lord to forgive my unbelief
Good morning all, How do I find rest? How has God helped me in my times of troubles? I find a quiet place with the lights dimmed. I take several deep breaths & repeat the name of Jesus. I breath in Jesus & out the negative thoughts, hurts or worries. I do this till I feel the calmness & warmth of the Lord. I just think of Jesus & His Words. When the worries, hurts or disappointments creep in I ask Jesus to take them. I say 'I let You Jesus & I let go'. Over the years this has help me through many trials. I have experienced only a few times through the years, where there is such a moving moment that the bright light of Jesus has surrounded me. The peace the you can not explain has covered me & gave me the strength to let go in the situation. If these few times are anything like heaven wow it is going to be great to worship before the throne! But alas in my sin state & I fail, & I fail again to let go & let Jesus. Jesus is faithful. He still will carry me through the darkness, even if I have a hard time letting go. Psalms 23 is my answer, my hope & my strength in all situations. May you all be blessed! Mary
I am asking th Lord to help me stand on the promises is his word. Not to look around me, to claim them for myself and my family, I have some very hard circumstances going on in our home now with a child that is running from God knowa he's wrong and will not or is not willing to change what he knows is wrong. This is a child that was sexually abused as a child and is not tuning to the Lord to heal but to drinking, sex, and any escape he can find. I have been claiming the Word over his life, I am looking to God to bring his word to life in his life. I want to keep looking up at what I know is true and not arund me. God is greater than anything in this world, any evil and power on earth or heaven.
Sometimes, going through the darkness,we may not realize it at the time, but God is carrying us through our difficulties. God is faithful, I am learning this and that His Word never fails.
Hello All
Wendy I thank God that you allowing him to use you since reading your book I'm learning to sarch the scripture through the great question you have at the end of the chapters. I remember having a dicussion with my Pastor one day it was on the subject of James1v2 my brethen count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations that what the word says, I told him that if I'm not having trials or tribulations going on in my life I'm looking around because I know that that old devil is up to something. So yes I do count it all joy because It helps me to know that my heavenly Father is doing just what the wod says trials and tribulation come to make me strongHave I been through the fire ? yes many times and I realize each time I come out a little stronger. But we must stand on the word of God. I especially love psalm 27v14 wait on the Lord be of good courage and he will strengthen thine heart wait I say on the LordI I'm also at peace when I read Joshau 1v9 which says Have not I commanded thee? be strong and of a good courage be not afraid neither be thou dismayedfor the Kord thou God is with thee whithersoeverthou goest WEndy Itill fall but thank od for his grace and mercy I have a long way to go but I thank God I'm not where I use to be.
Patricia
Wendy,
Thank you for this study. I am learning so much and growing in my walk with Him.
In question 2, I learned that the trials I have faced and will face in life should not be looked at from a negative point of view. They are not strange and are to be expected throughout life. I should anticipate trials when they come and have joy as I know that God's plan will be revealed in time. Life isn't going to go the way I wanted or planned for myself. God has a different plan for me. I just to have keep my faith in Him and KNOW He will give me peace and help me perservere through the hard times. I have a totally new perspective on this.
In question 5, I have been able to experience "treasures in the darkness" during my divorce 5 years ago. My marriage had spun out of control and I lost my husband, but I got my relationship with my dad back that I didn't have before. That was a bittersweet time for me.
Thank you, Wendy, for your suggestions on spending time with God each day. I just bought a new devotional book that I love and is helping me grow closer to God. I am making my time with Him a routine part of my day…same place, same time no matter what. I am learning to make this time a priority in my life over everything else and it is a joy.
Blessings to all,
Chauncey
Just came across your blog from an email I received from proverbs 31 devotionals.
I am going out tomorrow to find this book and I will catch up ASAP! This post was inspiring and exactly what God needed me to hear. A loved one of mine will soon be heading off to fight in the Iraq conflict overseas. I had been filled with doubt, fear, anxiety, and worry. But I have no reason too!! That is all unbelieve. God is always there and will help us all through whatever is thrown onto our paths.
Thank you!
-Casey
Hi, Casey, so excited to have you. And if there is anyone else new to the study, please e-mail me at spkrcoord@proverbs31.org and let me know your name and where you live. We have an incredible group of women….nearing 350 now!! Love hearing your stories, your wisdom, your questions, and your hearts.
Blessings,
Wendy
Hi Everyone,
I feel like I am a sponge…soaking up everything that I am learning through this Bible Study.
With question 1, it brought to mind the verse 1Cor. 10:13. My commentary described "make a way to escape" as not that He will enable us to escape temptation (trials) but that He will enable us to land intact on the other side…likened to the sense of a landing place for a ship. Our pastor once said to consider yourself unique when handed out trials…God knows exactly what you can handle…so to rest in that knowledge.
Ps. 34:18 used "crushed in spirit" It reminded me of a saying that I had come across. "Life can break your heart, but it doesn't have to break your spirit." Just wanted to share that with all of you. I like where God "wraps" us up in Ps. 147:3. That comforted me knowing his arms are around me keeping me secure. When I was in the hospital with a double blood clot and feeling panic arise, I envisioned his large hand holding my smaller one in his…I actualy kept my hand that way on the hospital bed.
In question 2, it has been difficult for me to maintain "joy" which I believe is God's inner peace. I so desire that.
Currently in the "Refiner's Fire" I am standing on Prov. 22:6 for my 22 year old son and with my husband, it is God I must rely on.
Have I experienced treasures in my darkness…yes, with children. I have seen the beauty of God in the midst of a trial through His gift to me of teaching children.
God knows my anxious thoughts and is giving me the desire to not only memorize His verses, but to allow them to penetrate my heart that I might apply them.
Can't wait to read the next chapter.
In His love,
Joyce
It has been during the times of trials in my life that I have felt closest to God and experienced His presence and comfort.I love the verse James 1:4 that tell us when our endurance is fully developed we will be strong in character and ready for anything. I hope that God is helping me get ready for some type of ministry to further the kingdom.
I appreciate everyone's comments. Thank you for your sharing your experience, strength and hope.
Terri
(I will have to go back and read everyone else's postings; I just needed to share quickly…) I read your opening statement, and it touched me so deeply, I was in tears… My "unbelief"! My incredible, overwhelming and earth-shattering "unbelief"! That's what's been tearing my world apart these past few weeks, and I couldn't put my finger on it! It seems like my prayers were hitting the ceiling and falling back, unanswered; I've been watching my world crumble around me – everything from my health (I've been thru a brain tumor, broken bones, and hospitalizations already this year), my daughter's distructive behavior (she's suffered sexual abuse at the hands of my ex, and is now acting out, lying, demonstrating more seductive tendencies), the family's finances (we're about to get evicted because I have no money to pay the rent; I can't pay the utility bills – I have over $3000 in medical bills from earlier in the year…) I keep looking at the prayer card I have posted on my bathroom mirror that has a paraphrase of Jeremiah 29:11, and I say that I KNOW the Lord is capable of providing a miracle because, of course He has a plan for me – "a future", but is He "willing"?! It's my "unbelief" – putting restrictions on His power, His sovereignty, His abilities… I am floundering, and I am anxious, instead of resting in the peace that is Him. Where is my faith?! How do we get beyond this point? How do we climb out of this pit? How do we own the words – the promises – we find throughout God's Story, when we pray but do not see answers, and do not hear the Lord? Pray that Lord forgives my "unbelief" and rescues me from this pit….
a.s.
Wow I wonder how Wendy does it! It just seems like every chapter so far speaks to me!
The scriptures we looked at this week really are a comfort. But still I struggle. I know that I should not be surprised when we experience painful suffering and that the suffering and experience produces perseverance which produces maturity BUT my flesh still screams WHY ME! At times I fear what my following Him will lead me in to. Sometimes I think I would just like to be a "baby" the rest of my life. I know that is not what he desires for me- and really I want to do more for him but still at times that is just some thoughts that I struggle with. I do love 1 Peter 4:12 and James 1:2-4 though when I am reading them they give me a sense of peace that all we struggle with is not in vain.
I pray that I may get more and more comfortable with stepping out of my comfort zone so that I can take hold of all the things He wants me to experience. I have been trying to memorize verses to tuck in my heart and mind so that I can recite them to myself when I am feeling anxious or fearful. Index cards work great too!
Looking forward to the next chapter-jeepers Wednesday seems so far away!!!!
May everyone have a peaceful grace filled week- I am keeping you all in my prayers as we continue on this journey.
Blessings
Julie
Hi Wendy!
I am pretty much starting from the begining, learning about the bible and its stories. Your book has taught me so much and I've only read 5 chapters. I'm enjoying it so much and thank you for reaching out to us. Its hard for me to understand what the "words" mean and unfortunately I'm on an island w/no one to talk to about it. However your book is teaching me and I'm understanding more and more everyday. I feel like your book is preparing me for life, so that when I do get in "darkness" i'll know what to do and what to believe. I loved chapter 5.
Thank you again for everything-it's making a tremendous difference in my life and i hope to pay it forward to someone else.
Hi Wendy and all the wonderful ladies who have been sharing,I have so benefited form all that has been said here.
On pg 62, you wrote that in the dark, we have two choices: to take matters into our own hands or to look to God. This is where I am at and where God has shown me His treasures in the darkness. Tonight at church, a person who had deeply hurt me and my family was there and I had to choose.Truthfully I just wanted to take matters into my own hands, but I chose to believe in the truth that God loves me and this person, that God was with me and that He would not abandon me. Even though I didn't feel good about the situation, I chose to believe that God was working on my behalf to carry me thru this, that He was doing a good work in me and wanted to transform me into His image. Quite honestly, the feelings were not there..I just wanted to run away and hide but I wanted God more than I wanted relief for my discomfort, I wanted to honor Him and act on the truth He has been sowing in my heart through this book and some people on my life. So I chose to not dwell on the what ifs or different scenarios in my head but on Who He is, my Lord, my Savior, my Creator, my Protector, my Friend. Then a person giving her testimony spoke about obeying even when we don't feel like it, ouch.. I knew what God wanted me to do. I didn't want to, I said "God I am so weak but Your strength is complete. I can't love this person in this moment but You can, only You can, by pouring love through me. I can't do it on my efforts.Please help me." So after service, I sought this person out and was able to greet this person sincerely and warmly. You know that had to be God. We chatted briefly, nothing was resolved, no big confrontation happened. But God had a big victory in me because He helped me move past my feelings and my fears, and chose His Truth and obey to extend grace. Only He could do that. I am trying to have no expectations re: this situation resolving but I am rejoicing in God enabling me to obey in His power not mine. So you see that is His treasure in the darkness just for today. Slowly He is chipping away at me and my character defects and changing me, with me wrestling Him all the way. In situations like this (really in all situations), I don't want others to see me, my bad attitudes, my pridefulness etc…I want them to see Jesus instead and be attracted to who He is and want Him in their lives.Pretty lofty dream isn't it?
I realize my small victory isn't much compared to what others are struggling with but for me it exemplifies the truth that He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it, that He does have a plan for my life and that He can be trusted even when things don't go the way I planned. Thank you Wendy for being His Instrument. Thank you for all the Scriptures and for your encouragement.
Have blessed day.
Sorry this post was so long.
Loretta
Good Morning, As I read my Bible this morning I asked the Lord to show me "to fear not the future". I have been worried, concerned that God was preparing me for something that I would have to step out in faith with. I have to admit I am not sure if I can do. Well here is the scriputres that the Holy Spirit gave me; Psalms 112:4 "When darkness overtakes him(you Mary),light will come bursting in." Then V6-8"(Mary you)will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God's constant care of(you)will make a deep impression on all who see it.(Mary) does not fear bad news, nor lives in dread of what may happen. For(she)is settled in (her) mind that Jehovah will take care of (her). That is why(she) is not afraid, but can calmly face (her) foes." I need to settle my mind on Jesus & let His love for me. Ecclesiastes keeps coming to mind. For everything has a season! So I should look forward to the good & lift up the bad. I need to live in the now,& let God take care of all things. Praise you Jesus for the good & the bad. You are with me always! Excited this morning just wanted to share it with you. Blessings Mary
Sweet Sisters in Christ,
Can I just tell you how the posts this week just make my heart SING. I have been praying for you and today pray by name for each and every one of you!!! How you are blessing me with your stories as I see our God in heaven at work just as we asked Him to be before the study began. Our God is FAITHFUL and TRUE. I cannot wait to hear more stories like Loretta's where God speaks right into your situation and moves you to act in the moment on something to which you have been holding for days, weeks, months, or even years.
Our next chapter teaches a powerful Truth about taking that first step. As I pray for you by name today, I pray the Lord is preparing you to receive His Word this next week.
Love you all and SO thankful for you today,
Wendy
From Janelle: Dear friends, This we has been a bit of an inward journey for me. I have lived a sheltered life thus far. My darkness comes from within myself. Not from an external circumstance. When I find myself yearning for rest spiritually, I must make time to be alone before the Lord. Surrender myself, my selfishness and humble myself before HIM. Only then do I find peace and "treasures" in his word.
Wendy, so excited what God is doing in your life and the lives of many others following along with you. May you feel God's blessings drench your life with each chapter and may you discover something new about your King while in this journey He is leading you on.
Blessings,
L
I have come here many times since last Wednesday to comment yet the words will not come. My daughter (age 20)got chemotherapy Tues, Wed, and Thurs and has felt terrible…she is struggling and so am I. She is in pain and I can't bare to see her in pain any more. I told Gold that again today..I can't bare to watch her suffer the pain…though He aready knows because He made me.
Wendy and others, please know that your words have been comforting and helped me get through these days. I have felt that I cannot go on any longer….yet God has used you to keep me going. Just to read your words and know that someone has survived the griping feelings and thoughts that become the hated companion that stalks you in the day and in the night.
I am slowly reading chapter 5 and savoring every word and asking God to use them to speak to me. I am praying that He will use your words to heal my broken heart and frightened body.
Donna
sorry i have not written a comment lately been away on vacation but i read the post and realize how fearful i really am in so many areas concerns for my children husband friends but i know God brought me to this study to show me how to hang on to the Word in the mist of my fear to say to God i am willing to give Him my fear and soak in His promises concerning all that concerns me and my world a friend and i were speaking on the phone this morning about this very topic I want to be a woman of the Word not of my circumstance I want the Word to be my truth not my own thoughts I know God is working on me in the area of fear i have struggled with it my whole life i want to be free Ruthie