It was immediately after receiving the most blessed and comprehensive promise that God ever made, that "a horror of great darkness" (Genesis 15:12) fell upon Abraham. Such an experience is not uncommon, and we should not be disheartened by it. Instead of regarding the enshrouding darkness as evidence that we have forfeited the favor of God, we should consider that the promise and the communion which preceded it were for the purpose of strengthening us for the trial.
Remember also that God was in the darkness with Abraham, and in the midst of it the promise was repeated. "Yea, the darkness hides not from You; but the night shines as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to You." (Psalm 139:12)--Present Truth, January 2, 1902--Original title: Back Page--Genesis 15:12.