For fifteen years, David, who is our bear slayer, lion mutilator and giant killer, ran for his life. Hiding in caves for that many years had taken him into not only physical darkness but a spiritual darkness that he couldn’t get out of. A place many of us find ourselves with seemingly no hope.

In Psalm 143:1, He said, “Lord, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief.” (NIV)

I am reminded of a time in our lives that hope seemed to be gone. A few words from a doctor had made our world spiral out of control. My husband was told that he was going to go blind from an eye condition. At that time, he was given no hope, he was told to go home and get ready for the inevitable. My strong husband, who led our home and family with strength, felt crushed to the ground with no hope. The mere thought of this impending physical darkness brought about a darkness in his soul. I had never seen him so broken.

During this time, he searched the scriptures for something that would make sense of that whole thing and give him hope. He came across a scripture that seemed to lift him from the pit of hopelessness. It is a scripture that has brought hope to many:

“May the God of hope fill you with all the joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

To this day, the Lord has kept his hand on Larry and has preserved his eyesight. One of the fears he had is that he would not be able to make a living for his family; but he worked for forty-three years at his job and was able to provide for his family. He is now in his nineteenth year of retirement. Out of his darkness God has let him gaze upon newborn grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many have come along and have expanded and filled his little quiver. “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” (Psalms 127:4-5a NIV)

Jeanie Nihiser