God in the Thick Darkness

The message was brought by Rev. Bob Surber on August 24, 2025.

II Chronicles:5:13 It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the Lord, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the Lord; 14 So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God.  6:1 Then said Solomon, The Lord hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.

The temple was being dedicated. Singers were singing. Instruments were playing. The glory of God came down in a thick cloud.  The power of God was so strong the priests could not minister to the people.  Remember that God is with us when we meet. He’s in our midst.  He is omnipresent–everywhere.  These people were caught up in the glory of God.  God told Solomon he would be with them in the thick darkness of the cloud.  The people were reminded when life is down in the darkness, God is near.  It makes all the difference in the world.

Jesus said to be of good cheer when these things happen in the world because he had overcome the world.  The devil would have us think God isn’t around.  Remember, in the thick darkness he’s as much around as he is when the way is clear. Troubles and trials blind us and sap us of our strength.  God knows.  He’s there!  That’s our God!  He’s above the darkness but enters it because of us. We are never alone.

God has the answers to our questions. Paul prayed three times for a thorn in the flesh to be removed. God did not remove it but told him “my grace is sufficient”.  Paul experienced the great grace of God and kept going.  Get closer to God. He’s seeking you out.  You may not see him in the darkness, but he’s there.  Believe.  God dwells in your thick darkness.  Trust him. He always comes through. He’s willing to come to our darkness because he wants to help us.  

Sins. Sorrows. Burdens.  The darkness of this world.  Jesus took all this upon himself on the cross.  Darkness fell upon the day.  He died saying “it is finished”.  That’s why we have company in the dark times of life.  You can be saved and in the darkness that may come in your life, he’s there.  Why?  Because on the third day the angel rolled away the stone from the darkness of that tomb.  Jesus arose from the dead, coming out of that darkness to live forevermore.  There is nothing God cannot do.  He’s there to help you so you will not be alone.