Things changed. Life got difficult. You lost someone. Suddenly, your employer didn’t need your services anymore. Your friends left. Your kids grew up and moved on with their lives, leaving you insecure of your identity. Maybe the changes took place within you? Cancer stole your dreams for the future. The accident left your body unable to obey. Your mind betrayed you, or your emotions hold you hostage. The lights went out. You are left in darkness. Hope seems beyond reach. How do you hold on to faith in the dark season?
It’s easy to be discouraged as we go through difficult times in life. Light and love seem so very far away, and we tend to think that this is our new normal. At least I’m like that. I fight frantically for a certain period before conforming. I settle. Life is likely to remain like this. I’d better make the most of it. It probably won’t get any better. Misery is a lousy company, but he’s certainly faithful. He never leaves your side. He tends to outstay his welcome, though. Don’t feed him. Just don’t.
If you are going through a dark season right now the most important thing you need to know is just that – it’s a season. This too shall pass. Joy will come in the morning. You won’t be stuck in this pitch-black night forever. The darkness is not your problem. The lack of light is. Unless you pay attention to the faint streams of light you easily miss them. Make sure to be thankful for every ray of light that is coming your way. As you give thanks, they will increase, driving the darkness of your mind and soul away.
Maybe you find this offensive. Is thankfulness supposed to cure you and return you to health? Well, the Bible has a word of advice for you:
A happy heart is good medicine
and a joyful mind causes healing.
But a broken spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22 (AMP)
The ruler who got his wisdom from God, king Solomon, states that happiness and a joyful mind causes healing. He’s not describing the sense of relief that comes from being healed, but the deep-felt joy that comes from knowing that all the days of your life is in the hand of the Father. Likewise, he says that a broken spirit can certainly lead to pain and fatigue.
Paul talks about the peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace that comes from knowing that the Morning Star is piercing your darkness, that he in his loving kindness knows your circumstances, and that goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. You will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Forever doesn’t start when you die. There is no beginning or end to eternity. You benefit from the royal privilege of living your life in His courts. All your days can be spent in His presence.
If you are struggling to get through the harsh days, much less an entire season, I encourage you to rest in God’s presence. Be still. Know that the Lord is sun and shield, that he will give grace and glory; and that he won’t withhold any good thing from those who walk uprightly. (Ps 84:11)
Find your rest in Him.
Find your strength in Him.
I love getting letters from people. I firmly believe that as we share our stories we are woven together. Our combined stories form a divine fabric that gives glory to God, unites us, and protects us. We know that we are not alone. Others have gone through a dark season and emerged whole and refined, blossoming as the long-awaited rays of spring finally broke through.
I bless your pilgrimage as you travel through your dark season. There are gemstones along the way for you to discover, treasures hidden in the darkness. I’ll help you unveil the first one: You don’t have to struggle to hold on to faith in this dark season. Your faith will carry you.