Due to a sudden and unexpected lightning strike of a major power source, twenty hours of darkness met residents of the Big Apple.
The New York Blackout of 1977 surged with anarchy as the volume of citizens who rioted rose and spread like wildfire—those who didn’t remained indoors, paralyzed by fear and confusion. Historian David E. Nye believed civilization breaks down, rules are cast out, and orderliness tumbles in the course of an abrupt alteration like a blackout. I call it a force to adapt to, and no one likes force.
People endure mental and emotional effects defined as panic responses when they experience power outages. Studies show many lose the ability to communicate as the clock continues to wind. We imagine horror, and some get so stressed they commit horrendous acts of violence. When things go black, health and refuge become debatable.
Things are dark when the lights are suddenly turned off, but within a second or two, our eyes adjust and things don’t appear that dark after all.
We all face challenges in life that reflect power outages, such as panic responses and doubt. But the psalmist challenges us not to fear because God is our refuge and strength.
When calamity raids my home, I immediately try to fix it by turning the lights back on. There’s no time to ask questions or point fingers, although most lasting solutions come from understanding the root cause.
The question is whether we want a Band-Aid or a cure. Hurrying to fix problems often aggravates the situation—such as walking into a dark room before our eyes adjust, causing us to fall. We can’t be anxious to remedy changes, troubles, or tragedy. Neither should we be anxious for anything because the lack of sight produces regrettable moments most of us spend the rest of our lives apologizing for.
Unless divine intervention says, “Move!” be still and wait for clarity. Waiting may seem hard, but it is not impossible. Trust that it will get better, that God is in control, and that He is working all things on our behalf.
Stand still and know God created and controls all things—light included.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Exactly what I needed to hear to "stay the course."