Treasures of Darkness
By Michael Q. Pink
February 9, 2010“He made darkness his secret place; his canopy round about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies.” (Ps 18:11) “He that dwells in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1) “And I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the LORD, who call you by your name, am the God of Israel.” (Isaiah 45:3)
If I could give you anything, I would give you what I am carrying, or perhaps I should say, I would give you what is carrying me. Something supernatural is happening in my life and I am being transformed before my very eyes. You see, last week in Colorado, I was speaking at the KEYS 2010 conference. It was only three short weeks after my wife switched teams and went to be with Jesus.
I was there by the invitation of the Holy Spirit while being given full permission to stay home and nurse my deep wounds. I chose to go instead. My wounds will heal faster in His service than on the sidelines. And besides, I am a warrior poet, or so I like to think. I am made for the battle and I cannot lie down. It is not in me to give up, to pull back, to retreat or to lose heart. It is in me to win, to have purpose, to fulfill my destiny and to finish Act Three of my life, strong! Very strong!
I lost my partner, but I did not lose my purpose, nor will I surrender it to grief and sorrow beyond measure. God in His own way will remedy my loss while propelling me into my destiny. What I do know is that you can’t walk into your future with one foot stuck in the past. I will honor the past, but I will not live in it. I will live like I have always lived… full of expectation, awe and wonder. My life will be an adventure, my heart will be full and my eyes will smile again. In fact, they already have.
How is this possible? God has stored up great treasures in dark places, the greatest of which is His very presence. He made darkness His secret place and invites us there under His shadow to private communion with Him. How incredible is that? Can it get any better? I know not how. In that place there is healing, rest and renewal and I am experiencing them all. I have embraced the darkness to find the treasure. That in turn will provide what I need when the dawns early light casts its first rays upon my sun starved eyes. And by my reckoning, daybreak is not far off. I think I see the earliest tinges of light beginning to intrude into the night sky. I find myself smiling again and it feels good.
When darkness comes, most run from it, distract themselves in it or simply sleep through it. Not me. Not this time. I will not miss the treasure. I will lay hold of it. But that is not my privilege alone. It is yours too. Life for me will never be normal again, at least not like it was, but as one very dear friend told me in Colorado, I will find a new normal and it will be good. It already is and it’s getting better every day. If it can happen for me, I’m betting it can happen for you!
NOTE: I will be posting the video of my talk at the KEYS 2010 Conference for your edification very soon. It was the most impacting talk I have ever given before a live audience. Watch for its release in an upcoming blog.
Keywords: darkness, expectation. keys conference, healing, purpose, secret place, transformation, treasures
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Comments (45) - Post a Comment
Michael:You are such an inspiration to me and I thank the Lord for you. I'm so glad to hear you are seeing sparks of the new normal and continue to work towards your God-given purpose. God bless you continually in His goodness.
Anita at 10:21am EST - February 9, 2010
michael...that was the most honest, inspiring blog i have ever read...God bless you as you keep going forward.i was wanting to ask permission if i could read that blog on my little radio show in iowa? i think it would encourage people who are going through the same thing. I, like you, have that same attitude of not giving up!! that is one reason i think testimonies are so important to the body of Christ, because it let's us know that others are going through things too, and as they win another battle, we know we can too!!
bea balvin at 10:25am EST - February 9, 2010
Amen and Amen! I am praying for you, my brother! Glad to hear how the LORD answered our prayers for Colorado. May you sense HIS pleasure as you continue on in HIS ways! Your sis, heidi
Heidi Thomas at 10:31am EST - February 9, 2010
Dear Michael: Colorado was perhaps one of the tresures already found in the holy darkeness of God. Good for you. You are an inspiration. May the road be not only an adventure, but daring and glorious!
Terry at 10:32am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael,Thank you for sharing. I know I lost my sister to cancer and it is a hard road. A year later I lost my oldest son. I know if it weren't for God, I would be totally disfunctional. BUT He is faithful. You never forget but some things you leave in His hands. He grabbed me in the midst and I KNEW that if He would come and tell me why He allowed (not ordained it) I would understand. His ways are perfect and higher than our ways. God bless you for your honesty. Some people do not understand.
Sharon at 10:33am EST - February 9, 2010
IMichael, ncredible is the only word I can find to describe this blog. What an awesome God to give you this expression of finding your way in the darkness...and He is shining like the evening stars through your spirit. You are light years ahead of time in your process and you are recognizing it is the work of the Holy Spirit in you. How quickly we could all come out of darkness if we could only let Him have His way....you are a treasure, and thank God you are not hidden from the world, Blessings and I am praying for you always,Sherron
sherron lane at 10:37am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, I am so proud of you to persevere during this difficult time. You are walking in God's purpose for your life even though this is sad time. I continue to pray for peace and happiness for you and your family.Shelia
Shelia Minier at 10:38am EST - February 9, 2010
A word in due season for me...God knew what I needed for this day, this moment. I too come out of the "strong" camp, but sometimes don't feel like being strong. The urge to retreat seems the better plan. That is where I was today...that is until I read your blog. Praise be to God!
Cindy at 10:48am EST - February 9, 2010
WOW!!! Warrior Poet - your 'pen' is your sword - and you wield it well indeed. This is beautiful - powerful! From the heart of God through your heart. Thank you so very much. I am honored to be on journey with you.
Patt H at 10:55am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, Looking forward to the video from CO. Blessings as you serve, JJ
Judith Jordan at 10:56am EST - February 9, 2010
Awesome. Colossians 2:10 clearly tells us that we are complete in Him. Praise God brother Michael, you are complete in Him. Your dear wife has become a major cheerleader in heaven on your behalf. She is having a good time along with you. Glory!
Homer Owen at 10:59am EST - February 9, 2010
Blessings from Heaven and on Earth be yours as you walk through this radical transformation and let every bit of heaing be yours today in Jesus name.
Donna GRAHAM at 11:10am EST - February 9, 2010
Blessings from Heaven and on Earth be yours as you walk through this radical transformation and let every bit of heaing be yours today in Jesus name.
Donna GRAHAM at 11:10am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, it is so rich to see how God is drawing you into an even deeper relationship with him through this darkness. Many of us have chafed, rebelled,and even doubted God for far more trivial disappointments. He is big enough to handle all of those reactions by the way. In your transparency you are sharing an incredible truth far deeper than a miraculous healing.What an example of how a mind and heart focused on God enables us to rise above our circumstances. We will all experience tragedy and grieve loss. How will I respond? You are showing us the way to prepare, where to put our attention. That is leadership indeed.I see many kind words of comfort here from others who have traveled this dark path. Grieving is a gift from God. May you be drawn closer to Him through this darkness. Thank you for displaying God's goodness.
Ron Merritt at 11:15am EST - February 9, 2010
It is good that you have such a great attitude about the whole situation, and it is clear that God's grace is carrying you....But you must also remember that it is perfectly NORMAL to grieve, and is needed for a true recovery from such a devastating situation. Precious in HIS sight is the death of one of his saints, but to us of human matter it is not. Please be sure to rest, outlet when you need to and ALLOW God to comfort you.... I will be sending up a prayer for you tonight because you are strong and I love you. I can't imagine hoe you must be feeling right now, but in time you will be healed and reassured that no matter what God is in control. Thank you for your faithful witness and endearing tenacity. God Bless You-truly x
Pam at 11:17am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael: I have missed your article the last week or so and was happy to see and read this today. So glad God is giving you His treasures in darkness and that you are healing with His help. You can and will accomplish more this year, I believe, than any other year. May God's guiding hand and protection be with you and I am expecting for you and the Body of Christ greater catapulting into our destinies than any years past. It is The Lords Day and a new season this year. Gods favor be on you a thousand fold. Leisa Coburn
Leisa Coburn at 11:40am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, I think I understand how you feel, somewhat. I didn't lose my spouse the way you have, which would have been a far harder thing, but I did lose him to someone else, along with becoming homeless for awhile, etc. And there have been times I've been tempted to just give in to all the boo hoo at times in my life, but I found I couldn't, and not just couldn't. I didn't want to because I believed in greater glory. There have been times, I didn't even know how I was still standing except by the grace of God and His supernatural strength through Christ. You are an inspiration to keep on keeping on and by finding that strength in Christ you are showing us a clear example of the supernatural strength that we can rest in. Thank you and God bless you much.
Cindy at 11:47am EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, you may be surprised to hear from me. It has ben a some time. But while I did not respond here, I wasin constant daily review and prayer for you and Brenda. there were so many beautiful responses from so many loving,caring people and I knew you would get to all of them because that is who you are as the POET WARRIOR for all you touch. After today's message,I knew it was time for me to let you know that there are many who have been on your journey silently for a tme but now is the time for you hear from some new and old friends that we are here for you and still are blessed by you and all that GOD is doing with you that you so are so open to share. You are a special example of what our GOD does for those who honor HIM. May HE continue to bless you richly as you richly bless so many!
bill herring at 11:53am EST - February 9, 2010
Thank you for letting us glimpse the healing power, the unearthly beauty, of God's presence with you in the darkness. The glow of His soothing love is within our view. That will draw each of onward toward our own times of compressed growth. It is with regularity that I see God's people being equipped in new-to-us ways for the times ahead. A bit mystifying now, but will be evident to all when most needed. Blessings.
Tia Nielsen at 11:55am EST - February 9, 2010
WOW -WOW- WOW!!! HIS GRACE SHINES THROUGH YOU! AMEN!Love you Micheal!
Vilma at 12:00pm EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, your courage and faith are an inspiration to me. I lost my daughter 3 years ago and I made a vow to God to keep going and to bless others.
Jacki Hamlin at 12:09pm EST - February 9, 2010
Your life is a testimony, your purpose is still being fulfilled, you are a warrior and I thank God for showing us, through others pain, that there is a strength beyond ourselves that is available for the asking. Thank you for being such a transparent witness in your struggles as well as the blessings. Your life has touched many people in areas you will never know. Blessings and strength to you, Michael as you continue on your journey with God at the helm...
Vips at 12:30pm EST - February 9, 2010
Michael, there will be a new normal - any you will like it - God is there.
Gary Geppelt at 12:35pm EST - February 9, 2010
thanks for your response michael....i am please to have permission to share it...i wondered if you ever read any books by carol kent....she has a couple awesome books as she went through a life changing ordeal with her son, but you probably already know her and have read them!! God bless you!!
bea balvin at 1:15pm EST - February 9, 2010
definitely, these hard times has helped you to refine your faith and character. I remember an old song :... "blessed the tears fall, clean the windows of the soul." Go ahead!!
Moises at 1:38pm EST - February 9, 2010
Michael,Been away from the computer a few weeks now, and just see this.......... I'm "amazed" simply "amazed"........Today is the anniversary of my mom graduating to heaven..........I'm still STUNNED...My PRAYERS today espeically, are for STRENGTH, more COURAGE, TENANCITY, and CONSTATNT UNION WITH THE LORD.....never backing down, as you have already been an example of this to all who read your blog...May the good LORD continue to bless you, hug you,
paula sweeney at 2:18pm EST - February 9, 2010
Dear Michael . . . I am walking through another kind of loss and as always, your words struck home in an area of my heart that God wants revealed. Thank you for being so open and honest about your entire ordeal. It'll only be in the next life that you will see the impact of your public pain. God bless you.
Ali Stabley at 2:25pm EST - February 9, 2010
Can't wait to see how the Holy Spirit shined through you in CO. Looking forward to the post. Here's to new beginnings:)Priscilla Mitchell
Priscilla Mitchell at 2:33pm EST - February 9, 2010
Joyce and I were able to be in Denver with Michael. Michael's talk was the most impacting of the conference. It was from the heart, and the light from God through Michael was tangible. In Michael's darkness, God pierced through brilliantly. Scraping the top of despair, Michael delivered a hope for all to carry. And I loved th transformation of Brenda into the glory of God in the midst of a physical body withering away... Joyce and I believe it was a treasure that we will always carry with us, as we approach our own end in this physical world. Brenda is a bright shining star, and most of all she is in the most precious place of His Glory. And like Michael says, we do not enshrine what God has done in her, but somehow through her life, the hope we have, has become even more hopeful, if that were possible.... Love you Michael, look forward to our next journey together.
Robert Ricciardelli at 4:18pm EST - February 9, 2010
Michael,I am so thankful that you are experiencing the light of God's love for you in knowing that God is the greater one and even in darkness it cannot overtake the light of Jesus that is in you. You are a warrior and cannot be defeated. The enemy has shot his best shot already and he did not and could not take you down, and that speaks volume. Truly you are mighty "in Him". Blessings to you and I look forward to the message from CO.
Sereda Fowlkes at 5:05pm EST - February 9, 2010
Just got to say I am very proud of you!!! Loved your message today
Mark Nellesen at 5:51pm EST - February 9, 2010
Truly I do understand. I remember during one of the darker times after losing my partner and friend being comforted in His arms, in the dark, in His garden. When anyone asked me how I was doing I would tell them that I was a walking basket case. Moving forward in His service is the only place I ever want to be.
Cherime MacFarlane at 6:30pm EST - February 9, 2010
THe heavens are being opened to you Michael. We are privileged to peek through your lens. You are greatly loved and empowered for even greater Kingdom impact.
Jim Anthony at 7:30pm EST - February 9, 2010
Incredible words of wisdom and strength coming from the treasure within you Michael. Thanks once again for sharing without reservation. Go, go, go on Michael......we are with you. I love the verse Jeremiah 29:11, "I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope" ....we see this being fulfilled in your life right before our eyes.....and it's wonderful! Thanks so much and be blessed. Peter and Mary Ellen Ciganek
Peter Ciganek at 8:02pm EST - February 9, 2010
thank you, although your darkness is quite profound, my darkness is a day to day frustration...you give me hope that I can reach out to HIM even in "smaller" darknesses. God is blessing me through you.
tiffany at 9:57pm EST - February 9, 2010
Yep, Michael, you are a warrior poet indeed!...and you could speak with much impact out of a heart coming out finer than gold...through His darkness. Thank you for now you have edified me already.Much blessing from Him,Benjie@Manila
Benjie B. Caballero at 10:05pm EST - February 9, 2010
In the depths of the darkest night is where I met Him face to Face for the first time.... and He has never ceased to be there in the midst of every dark time in my life. I now know that when the darkness begins to close in with its threats and taunts of fear, disappointment, despair, and depression He is waiting there. He draws me close, whispers to my heart and then He flings handfuls of stars that light up my darkness and turn it into a wonderland of cascading miracles that I've not even imagined or dreamed of. Each miracle explodes Light into the darkness that illuminates my next step leading me out of the darkness into the blinding Light of His Love. There are treasures in the darkness that can be found in no other place... and once found the darkness has to flee. God bless you Michael.
Keturah Ogletree at 10:26pm EST - February 9, 2010
Beautiful ! You are speaking like the Apostle Paul. Strong, Bold, with Conviction and Truth. Yes, a Warrior Poet -- that's how God, the Master Potter, formed you, as clay in His hands. And you know who you are. Your confidence is rooted in God. Thank you for giving words of encouragement to the Saints -- pilgrims who are also progressing on this journey through time
Victoria at 10:44pm EST - February 9, 2010
Thank you Micheal - your words are truly inspiring. God richly, richly bless you.Stan, South Africa
STANLEY at 1:46am EST - February 10, 2010
By His strips you have been healed. Walk in the strengths He gives you.Out of the greatest darkness comes the greatest tangible light. All things work together for our good. Bravo Michael in Jesus name!
Joyce/ Kenya at 3:13am EST - February 10, 2010
I thank God for you. This is a timely word for me and I know for many others. God bless you. Continue to press towards the mark. GSO
Kim at 8:57am EST - February 10, 2010
Thank you for the revelation and inspiration you were at Keys 2010 conference, and for reminding us in Ps. 18:l1 that He made darkness His secret place; his canopy round about Him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. For now the fear of darkness is dispelled as being the presence of the enemy for we know that our God is in the darkness with us tio meet us right where we are. We never go comfortless as you are a testimony to in this your time of need and blessing. Thank you for being so transparent as a Warrior Poet not able to quit for as the song says "My Voice is My Weapon" and I can not fail to release it in the Word of God .
Bertha Hinson at 6:00pm EST - February 10, 2010
Thank you for the revelation and inspiration you were at Keys 2010 conference, and by reminding us of Ps. 18:11 He made darkness His secret place, His canopy round about Him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. For as He meets you in your time of need so He reveals that we need not fear darkness as being from the enemy but that He is there in the midst of darkness with us. As you are unable to quit being a"Warrior Poet so it is as the song, "My Voice is My Weapon" in speaking the Word of God. Thank you!
Bertha Hinson at 6:15pm EST - February 10, 2010
I love you, Michael!
Lucy at 7:05pm EST - February 10, 2010
Thank you for sharing your heart with us. After reading this, the grief that has obstructed my view of life is now gone. Through your pain, I am finding my healing. I have been in this prison of grief and fear for 10 years. Today I am free and I am ready to continue to fulfill my purpose. May God continue to strengthen you. Many blessings. I will be praying for you.
Agnes at 10:40pm EST - February 15, 2010