The very first verse of the Bible introduces the chaotic scene of the beginning. It spells out that the earth was without form and void, coupled with the thick darkness on the face of the deep. Both what God did and did not do are quite instructive. He did not deny the existence of the void and darkness. This is important for those who teach a variant of faith that focuses on denial of reality. They think that faith is mind over matter, and if you deny reality long enough it would go away. That approach does not define the God-kind of faith. Again, God did not resign Himself and throw up His hands in defeat. Finally, God did not allow darkness to have its way and complain about it to the hosts of heaven. What He did was to command light to shine in the midst of darkness. That first step became the beginning of the restoration process leading to the current earth.
I heard these witty words from Archbishop Kirby Clement – “Complaining is kicking the darkness rather than turning on the light.” God did not kick the darkness; He simply turned on the light. We are often confronted by different types of darkness. For instance, when we feel sad or depressed, it is a sign of darkness lurking around the corner. We should do what God did to the darkness – turn on the light! Someone may ask, “How do you turn on the light?’’ Remember that God’s word is described as light. Psalm 119:130 says, ““The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” When God’s word enters into you by revelation, you have the light of God with which to chase away darkness. I love the combined instruction of our text. Some may want to use wine to deal with the void and darkness they feel; but Paul advised against that. Rather, believers should speak God’s word to themselves and sing songs.