“ . . . everything goes right there.”
From George MacDonald’s, “At the Back of the North Wind.”
But Diamond’s father and mother were rather miserable and Diamond began to feel a kind of darkness spreading over him. At the same moment, he said, “This will never do! I can’t give in to this. I’ve been at the back of the north wind. Things go right there and they must be made to go right here!”
Imagine being surrounded by sorrow and still maintaining the simple faith of a child! Diamond knew that his family was experiencing hardship and had reason to be down and even a little discouraged, but he also knew that allowing anything to “darken” his life (or theirs) wouldn’t help. He had been to “the back of the North Wind”—a place where everything was “right.” There was no worry or pain there, only rest.
The earth is a battleground of personal and relational wars. There is little true “rest” here. How do we, like little Diamond, make sure the “darkness” around us doesn’t get into us? How do we maintain an attitude of faith when circumstances are difficult?
A few friends and I were discussing this very thing a few days ago. We came up with a few things that seem to be “key.”
1. Surround ourselves with “light.”
No one can walk this road alone—we were designed for community. My father often reminds me, “I can’t get there without you and you can’t get there without me.” On the battlefield, soldiers look out for each other. They are careful to warn when the enemy is near, to go out of their way to provide water or food, or medical care to those who are weak or wounded. The Body of Christ needs to function the same way. We need to look out for each other, to encourage one another, and to provide for one another.
2. Re-evaluate our focus.
When times are tough and we start feeling anxious, fearful, frustrated, or angry about our circumstances, we need to take a few moments and re-evaluate our purpose. What is the goal? Where are we REALLY headed? What REALLY matters?
When our focus is on the person of Christ our “light and momentary afflictions” (as the apostle called even the worst of his trials) lose their power to discourage. Our temporary troubles have no power to rob us of His life.
When our focus/hope is fixed on personal comfort or the “cares of this life” (yes, even paying the bills!) even the slightest bump in the road can set us in a downward spiral of discouragement and fear—darkness.
Our hope must be in what (who) is solid.
3. Be sensitive to His guidance.
If we are surrounded by darkness we must take care to maintain and living relationship with Christ and be sensitive to the “messages” he sends our way, whether encouragement or warnings. His guidance is vital to us remaining in light. If we constantly refuse to heed His voice (“refuse Him who is speaking” Hebrews 12:15) we will soon find ourselves in great darkness, unable to discern the voice of truth from error.
Ephesians 1 says that all the “wealth” (grace, love, peace, rest) that is in Christ is within those who have chosen to receive Him. What an incredible statement! “We are seated in heavenly places,” with Him and our lives are literally “hidden in Christ, in God.” This does not mean that we are supposed to live in a “dream world” (Diamond was aware of his surroundings) but it does mean that even in the midst of the darkness, Christ’s light and life will give us the power to overcome.
Diamond understood that there was already a place where everything was “right” Because of this, he chose to conduct himself in the same manner he would in that “place.” The “rightness” he learned while dwelling in that spiritual land influenced him so greatly that he was able to live it out—even when he wasn’t physically there. What faith! I want that . . .
In this world we will face trouble and darkness. But, even in the midst of this imperfection we have a great Light Who is our hope, our “anchor.” When we feel the darkness beginning to take over, we can and we must, somehow, whether through prayer, praise, scripture or fellowship remind ourselves of that “land” where everything is “right.”
No circumstance is too difficult, no “pit so deep” that can shake the God of heaven or His purpose for the world. Days, months, even years may be difficult, but in the end, all will be “right.”
