A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers   

Psalm 139:11, “If I say, ‘Surely the darkness shall cover me;’ even the night shall be light about me.” English writer and theologian of the nineteenth century, Richard Holt Hutton, and a companion, were once traveling through Scotland on foot and bicycle. One late afternoon, an innkeeper told them about Lake Lochy, purported to be the most beautiful lake in Scotland that was only four miles away from the inn and on a circular pathway. They could easily make the journey and then return to their quarters for the night. When asked if there was a shorter way, the innkeeper said there was, but it was called “The Dark Mile” and nobody ever traveled it by choice. To save time, the two decided to follow the alternative path but found it to be a treacherous and difficult trail. But suddenly at the very bottom of the dark valley into which they had traveled, they saw the stars above them, yet it was still daylight. They remembered the old adage, “When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.” When the beauty of Lake Lochy finally burst upon their sight, they agreed that they would never have appreciated the beauty of the lake if they had not traveled The Dark Mile. Sometimes our life’s journey takes us down treacherous paths. We know the destination that awaits is reported to be one of untold beauty, yet in getting there, our way is fraught with difficulties. Financial woes tempt to hinder; sickness or death of loved ones drives the light from our surroundings. Deeper and deeper we go into the valley. But it is along those dark corridors that if we will only look up, we will begin appreciating the encouragement and blessings God provides as we journey. Notice our Scripture lesson today. The Psalmist extols God’s ability to bring him light even when he feels darkness has enveloped him. On the journey to Lake Lochy, Richard Hutton and his companion discovered that the beauty God prepares for us, can many times only be appreciated from the darkest of paths. This can be your discovery as well; as God brings you from your Dark Mile, into the light of a glorious new day.