Matthew 10:27

Occasionally, God subjects us to the ordeal and training of darkness in order to instruct us in the art of perceiving and following His commands. Songbirds are trained to sing in the absence of light, and God places us in the protective embrace of His guidance until we develop the ability to perceive His voice (Isaiah 49:2). "Pay heed to the words I speak to you in the absence of light..." - Be attentive when God places you in a state of darkness and refrain from speaking while you are in that state. Are you now experiencing a lack of understanding or clarity in your current situation or in your spiritual relationship with God? If such is the case, then please refrain from speaking. Speaking when in the incorrect mood may occur if you open your mouth in the dark. It is more appropriate to listen at this time of darkness. Avoid discussing the matter with others, refrain from seeking answers in literature to understand the cause of the darkness, only listen attentively and comply. Engaging in conversations with others hinders your ability to perceive the divine messages from God. During times of darkness, attentively listen, and God will impart a profoundly valuable lesson to relay to another individual once you have emerged into the light.

Following each period of darkness, it is imperative that we undergo a combination of pleasure and embarrassment. If our experience is solely characterized by delight, I doubt if we have genuinely perceived the presence of God. We should feel elation for having received divine communication, but mostly shame for the prolonged delay in perceiving it! Subsequently, we will say, "I have been remarkably sluggish in my receptiveness and comprehension of the divine messages." However, God has been expressing this message consistently for several days and even weeks. Upon hearing Him, one is bestowed with the gift of humiliation, resulting in a tender-heartedness - a perpetual inclination to heed God's words.