Maneuvers - No. 87
Find Me
in the Dark
Did you know that roughly 11% of American adults are afraid of the dark?
Turns out, fear of the dark isn’t just something kids deal with. We adults can struggle with it, too—maybe more than we care to admit.
Could it be because there’s something cold about darkness? Something lonely and unknown … hopeless, even?
While Jesus was on earth, he saw so many people—the very people he created and loved—walking around in darkness, sin, despair, and hopelessness. And many of them didn’t even realize it.
That’s why he said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12, NKJV).
Jesus doesn’t just point out when we’re stuck in darkness. He offers us his light. He gives us confidence and hope. Warmth and love. Direction and peace.
If we feel surrounded by darkness this week—whether from discouragement, temptation, confusion, or unmet needs—this week’s FLAG message is for us.
Let’s listen together.
01.
The Message
“In the darkness, you can still find me. I am not afraid here. I find you where there are shadows and you feel they cover you, where you feel trapped, where you are afraid to stand. I am with you wherever you are. I carry you whenever you need me to. You can loosen your grip on everything you are trying to hold, and I will catch them. Though you are sure I haven’t, convinced I am nowhere near.
“I am low with you in the dark. I am down on my knees with you. I am stretched out, my body sacrificed; you have power here. You have the power to do anything we collaborate on.
“So stand in the place where I am. Let my frame steady you. Let my stories in your heart quiet the noise of the sad ones you have lived, the ones you replay over and over, the ones that hold control over your ideas about who you are, what your worth is, and whether or not you have what it takes to live more than survive.
“Live, child. Yes, live.
“Live with the hope I place inside you. Live with ideas for loving—first yourself and me as I teach you, and then others.
“Let what you stand on be love. Let what you live in be love.
“When you feel depleted, overwhelmed, sure that you have failed, disappointed, and not measured up to your expectations, look to me.
“Let me tend to your heart. Let me gather you up. Let me rescue you from lies that crush you. Let me strengthen you with hope and life that comes from receiving love from me.
“I love you. I would do anything for you. You are a light shining—do not be hidden. I see you. You captivate me. You are too beautiful to hide.”
02.
Listen
In one word, describe how you felt before reading this week’s message. Now, again in one word, describe how you felt after reading it. Was there a difference? Let’s write out a response to the Lord.
03.
Think
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1, NKJV).
1. Where do you feel depleted, overwhelmed, disappointed, or like a failure? Where do you crave more of Jesus’ hope and love?
2. Why is it hard sometimes to reach out for help when you feel stuck or hopeless? What experiences taught you to rely on yourself?
3. What lies does Jesus want to replace with his stories—his truths? What is he saying to you right now?
04.
Trust
Let’s return to this week’s message:
“I am low with you in the dark. I am down on my knees with you. I am stretched out, my body sacrificed; you have power here. You have the power to do anything we collaborate on.”
Let’s find a quiet place—maybe even lie down on our beds—and close our eyes. Here, let’s breathe in and out deeply. Once, twice, even three times, feeling our chest rise and fall with each inhale and exhale.
With eyes still closed, imagine you’re outside in a dark place. You can’t see anything, not even your hand in front of you. It’s cold and damp. There are deep pits and sharp rocks around you, but you don’t know exactly where, so you move as slowly as possible, feeling the ground in front of you with your hands before inching forward.
How do you feel in that place? What thoughts run through your mind?
Now imagine you feel Jesus next to you, kneeling on the ground with you, holding your hand. He’s speaking to you—in a strong yet comforting tone—telling you true things about himself, about you, about his love for you. He’s telling you how to move forward safely, leading you by the hand away from the sharp edges and slippery holes, guiding you onto a steady path.
How do you feel now? How did your thoughts change once you felt Jesus nearby? What things did he say to you to reassure your heart?
Now, let’s set a timer for five minutes and journal about our experience. How did this exercise remind you of areas in your life where you need Jesus’ presence and guidance? What is Holy Spirit saying about them?
Do you need prayer for those areas? Let’s reach out to someone—maybe a family member or a close friend—and ask them to pray with us today.
05.
Pray
Jesus, thank you for never leaving me alone. For being with me in the dark. Fill my heart with your light, and fill my mind with the truth to replace the lies I’ve been telling myself.
I confess I’ve tried to find my way out of the darkness on my own. But right now, I choose to receive your help. I receive your words of life and comfort. I trust you.
As I grow in trusting you, help me trust others, too. Teach me how to build friendships that are full of love, respect, and grace.
I love you.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Waving the banner with you,
