Starless Nights

Someone has said, "Blessed is the night, for it reveals to the stars." It is true that many of us, having passed through such a season, have said: "This has been a blessed night, for it has revealed to me wondrous stars of divine truth and beauty which I had never before seen." But sometimes there are nights when the stars "withdraw their shining." There are periods during which we see not a single ray of light shining through the darkness. 

What shall we do in such times? Shall we surrender to the darkness? Shall we give up our trust in God? Let Isaiah speak: "Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voice of His servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? Let Him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon his God." 

Listen to the testimony of Paul, in the account of his shipwreck experience: "And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was taken away." Yet, in the face of that dark and apparently hopeless hour, Paul said to the captain and crew of the ship: "Sirs, be of good cheer; for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told to me." God had told Paul that this journey would take him to Rome. The ship is wrecked, but God's word of promise will ride out the storm! 

God does not promise that our way shall always be along a well-lighted road, or that we will sail smooth, calm seas. But He does promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Be of good cheer, you that walk in the night. Even though the stars withdraw their shining, remember God has given His word that He will never leave you, nor forsake you. 

"Be strong and of good courage ... for it is the Lord your God who goes with you: He will not fail you or forsake you." Deut. 31:6.