Lost in the Fog

Lost in a fog? When darkness closes in our vision becomes distorted and we’re unable to see our way forward. People moving around us become as mere shadows, all intent on their own business, making their own way. No-one casts a glance in our direction and we’re aware of heavy clouds forming. We become increasingly isolated and confused.

We know God loves us. We know He cares for us and that His Son died for us. But when we’re groping around in the dark, lost and looking for help, at the very time we need Him most, He seems strangely distant.

‘Do not be anxious about anything’ (Philippians 4:6). But how can we help it? It’s as if a large heavy blanket has come over us separating us from God. The Bible tells us ‘He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged’ (Deuteronomy 31:8). We’re trying to hang on to His word and His promises. But still we feel anxiety creeping in.

The fog is probably only on ground level. Overhead the sun is shining. If we were in a plane flying over the clouds torrential rain may be falling, with thunder and lightning, but above the storm there is blue sky and sunshine.

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Why then are we struggling through the fog trying to find the way? He’s not out there somewhere beyond the fog. He’s in the fog with us.

Jesus promised the Father, “I will make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them” (John 17:26). We need to respond to that love, and so receive Jesus, through the Holy Spirit. And we are called to walk by the Spirit, not by the flesh. ‘For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other’ (Galatians 5:17).

As we look at our problems with eyes of the world we panic, because we can’t see through the fog. Communication between ourselves and God has been blocked by the concerns of the world (Mark 4:19). But if we recognise the Holy Spirit within us, and open ourselves to Jesus, our focus turns from what seems humanly impossible, to a faith in Him who can do all things. The promises of His word become reality: ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105).

As we look to Jesus and seek His way the fog will lift and the sun will shine once more.

Prayer: Father, forgive me. When things go wrong I look for You to come and put them right, and when things go right I forget to give you the honour. Please help me to live in a way that acknowledges You at all times, and to recognise that You are with me wherever I go. Amen.