DRAWING NEAR TO DARKNESS

"The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the
thick darkness where God was." - (Exodus 20:21)

Like the nation of Israel, we are each called to the mountain of
God, but few are willing to pass through the darkness to get
there. God wanted to reveal His glory to the children of Israel,
but they were afraid to enter into His presence. They only wanted
to know about God, rather than know him personally like Moses
did. This grieved the heart of God.
Why wouldn't the people of Israel risk entering the darkness if
it meant being in the presence of God? What did the people fear?
Perhaps they had fears like each of us. The fear of the unknown.
The fear of what might happen. The fear that God might not like
what He sees. Or, perhaps even the greatest fear: the fear of
darkness itself and what lies behind that darkness.
Many of us have been satisfied to hear about God from God's
messengers. But there is a greater calling for each of us--a
calling to enter into His presence. Sometimes entering into His
presence means we enter through an unexpected door-a door that
appears to have nothing good behind it.
We do not need to fear entering the presence of God even if it
means entering through a period of darkness. Above all else we
must believe that God is a God of love. If He calls us into
darkness in order to enter His presence, then that darkness will
become an entry to new levels of relationship with a God who
longs for fellowship with you and me.