The Night Is Dark and Long – Lessons From an Old Farmer

John 3:20-21 “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.” 

Evil flourishes under the cover of darkness. This is because people believe the darkness will hide their sins from the public eye. But those who do right have no reason to hide. They can live in broad daylight with no fear.

Cats Multiply in the Dark

Growing up in a big city where houses were only feet apart and space was limited, I never got a chance to own a pet. That is why when we moved to our small farm, I was so excited to finally get a furry friend to love. I started out with a kitten, and though I was thrilled about the possibilities, I found out quickly that I had a lot to learn.

Dad and I agreed that our pets would be “outside” pets and so I established a nice place in the shed for our barn cat. Every day I would fill the feed pan with food and give it fresh water. After some months I started to realize that I was going through an awful lot of Cat Chow. Other felines kept showing up and before long we were hosting “Kitty Palace” in the Sheridan Shed.

The Night is Dark and Long

I couldn’t understand where all the additional cats and kittens were coming from until I asked the old gentleman farmer who rented our big barn. “Mr. Climer, where did all these kittens come from?” I haven’t seen any male cats around the place. He chuckled and said, “Honey, the night is dark and long!”

We laugh now as we recall Mr. Climer’s wise words. Lots of things happen in the gloom that you don’t always see in broad daylight. That is why those who do evil like the darkness. Under the cover of the night they believe they can hide their sin and get away with it.

Those Who Practice Truth Love the Light

By contrast those who practice the truth love the light. They do no need to fear exposure because their hearts are pure. The blood of Jesus has washed them clean. They daily ask God to shine His light into their hearts, revealing what is there. When something is not right they confess it, and receive forgiveness and cleansing. By living in the light others see they are living God’s way.

I learned my lesson. “The night is dark and long.” It’s not only cats that multiply in the darkness. Sin does too. So, come into the light and let God’s presence shine on you! Then you’ll have no reason to hide.

Love,

Mama