Treasures in the Darkness
God is present in the midst of darkness and suffering, and He will reveal His treasures and riches to those who trust in Him.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of embracing the darkness and trials in life, emphasizing that God's hidden secrets are often revealed in the midst of challenges. He encourages believers to trust in God's presence even in the darkest moments, as those times of trial can lead to a deeper connection with God and a greater understanding of His glory and mysteries.
Text
"Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was" (Exod. 20:21).
God has still His hidden secrets, hidden from the wise and prudent. Do not fear them; be content to accept things that you cannot understand; wait patiently. Presently He will reveal to you the treasures of darkness, the riches of the glory of the mystery. Mystery is only the veil of God's face.
Do not be afraid to enter the cloud that is settling down on your life. God is in it. The other side is radiant with His glory. "Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings." When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is nigh. He is in the dark cloud. Plunge into the blackness of its darkness without flinching; under the shrouding curtain of His pavilion you will find God awaiting you. --Selected
"Hast thou a cloud?
Something that is dark and full of dread;
A messenger of tempest overhead?
A something that is darkening the sky;
A something growing darker bye and bye;
A something that thou fear'st will burst at last;
A cloud that doth a deep, long shadow cast,
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
It is Jehovah's triumph car: in this
He rideth to thee, o'er the wide abyss.
It is the robe in which He wraps His form;
For He doth gird Him with the flashing storm.
It is the veil in which He hides the light
Of His fair face, too dazzling for thy sight.
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A trial that is terrible to thee?
A black temptation threatening to see?
A loss of some dear one long thine own?
A mist, a veiling, bringing the unknown?
A mystery that unsubstantial seems:
A cloud between thee and the sun's bright beams?
God cometh in that cloud.
Hast thou a cloud?
A sickness--weak old age--distress and death?
These clouds will scatter at thy last faint breath.
Fear not the clouds that hover o'er thy barque,
Making the harbour's entrance dire and dark;
The cloud of death, though misty, chill and cold,
Will yet grow radiant with a fringe of gold.
GOD cometh in that cloud."
As Dr. C. stood on a high peak of the Rocky Mountains watching a storm raging below him, an eagle came up through the clouds, and soared away towards the sun and the water upon him glistened in the sunlight like diamonds. Had it not been for the storm he might have remained in the valley. The sorrows of life cause us to rise towards God.
Sermon Outline
- God's Presence in the Darkness
- Moses' experience in the thick darkness (Exod. 20:21)
- God's hidden secrets and mysteries
- The treasures of darkness and the riches of God's glory
Key Quotes
“Mystery is only the veil of God's face.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God cometh in that cloud.” — Charles E. Cowman
“When you seem loneliest and most forsaken, God is nigh.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- When faced with the unknown, trust in God's presence and power.
- Plunge into the darkness of your suffering and trust that God is waiting for you.
- Trials and sufferings are opportunities for us to rise towards God and partake in His sufferings.