Whistling in the Dark … as an idiom, can refer to speaking confidently on a subject about which you have little knowledge. But I’m talking about something whistling in the dark outside my bedroom. It’s driving me a little crazy. It’s a loud, distinct and often repeated “puh-weoh” (accent on the first syllable). The mystery creature seems to be up all hours of the day and night, but most active when I’m trying to sleep. It could be a neighbor with a strange sense of humor, but I’m leaning towards some sort of bird. To date, I’ve been unable, with flashlight or binoculars, to spot the vociferously vocal vermin. All I can say with confidence is that something’s creating a racket. To say more would be whistling in the dark.
To some degree, Christians are whistling in the dark. Even with all that God has revealed about Himself through the pages of Scripture, the Apostle Paul still admitted the limitedness of our spiritual knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 13:12 he wrote, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” The concept of seeing in a mirror dimly comes from the Greek word from which we borrow the word “enigma.” We live with questions and confusion, but also with confidence that a day of answers is coming in the presence of Christ.
“Whistling in the Dark” also speaks of putting on a brave front despite one’s uncertainties. Christians need not do this. We should share and discuss our honest quandaries about our faith. The fact that we cannot see everything clearly is not a denial of faith, but rather a proof of it. I live in darkness on some questions, but also hear a loud, distinct and often repeated refrain that calls me to believe in a kind creator and the truth of His gospel.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
I know God exists as confidently as I know there’s a creature that belongs to that whistle in the darkness.
