Victor Hugo, an author and former member of the Senate of France once remarked: “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.” Psalm 139:11-12 reminds us: “If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”
It has often been said that the invidious struggles of life are reminiscent of the fact that light will always follow dark. Physically, light and darkness do not necessarily "follow" each other in a sequential loop like seasons; rather, darkness is simply the absence of light. While the two appear to alternate due to planetary rotation or the toggling of switches, their relationship is governed by the presence or movement of photons.
However, in an anagogical sense, it is said that there is always light at the end of a tunnel. This phrase is a metaphor for hope and the resolution of difficult times, suggesting that all challenges are temporary. While often used to offset tedium or promise of a better future, whether this theory holds true depends on the particular situation in hand, as some challenges may not appear to have a clear or immediate resolution. In a spiritual context, the "tunnel" represents life's trials (grief, sin, or depression), and God is viewed as the "guiding light" that offers a path to resolution or eternal salvation.
Where there are no obvious resolutions to difficulties, the answer may often be found through God. From a theological and spiritual perspective, God is believed to be able to help in situations where there are no obvious human resolutions or when problems seem impossible. Faith traditions often emphasize that human limitations do not limit God, making "hopeless" situations the ideal setting for divine intervention or, at a minimum, divine comfort.
In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah falls into a deep depression after a major spiritual victory on Mount Carmel, threatened by Queen Jezebel and feeling isolated. Exhausted and fearful, he flees into the wilderness, sits under a tree, and prays for death. God responds by providing rest, food, and gentle encouragement rather than condemnation. The passage reminds us: There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.”
And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”
He said, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away.” And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
And the one who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu put to death, and the one who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha put to death. Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
Matthew 6:22-23 teaches that one's spiritual perspective and focus determine their inner state of light (goodness/generosity) or darkness (greed/stinginess). Describing the eye as the body's lamp, Jesus explains that a "good" (single-minded/generous) eye brings clarity and spiritual light, while a "bad" (selfish/materialistic) eye leads to deep inner darkness and spiritual ruin. It reminds us: “The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light, but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
The deprivation of light might equate to the noticeable absence of God. Without God, in a theological, philosophical and biblical perspective, there is little glimmer in life. The absence of God explores themes of existential loneliness moral vacuum, and divine withdrawal. Simone Weil, a female French philosopher once remarked: “Affliction makes God appear to be absent for a time, more absent than a dead man, more absent than light in the utter darkness of a cell. A kind of horror submerges the whole soul. During this absence there is nothing to love. What is terrible is that if, in this darkness where there is nothing to love, the soul ceases to love, God's absence becomes final.” However, contrary to some belief, God is still present during darkness. It might be said that God uses darkness as a type of sanctuary where He can hide His full glory. God created darkness to use for His and our own benefit. Darkness can be a time of slumber, peace and tranquility. Darkness can be a powerful time for fresh thinking, acting as a catalyst for creativity, deep reflection, and cognitive recalibration. While often associated with negativity, controlled or embraced darkness—both literal (nighttime, dim lighting) and metaphorical (periods of uncertainty or solitude) - creates a unique, distraction-free environment that allows the mind to explore new ideas.
According to theological, biblical, and devotional perspectives, God's open arms are often to be found in the darkness. Many spiritual perspectives hold that God does not abandon humanity in the dark times, but rather meets them there, offering comfort and support. Psalm 22:1-21 reminds us: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame. But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!” Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother's breasts.
On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help. Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouths at me, like a ravening and roaring lion. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast; my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death. For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet - I can count all my bones - they stare and gloat over me; they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid! Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!”
Amen.
