Dark Days
We all go through dark days, those days that we feel like the cloud will never lift and there is no ray of hope breaking through.
Some days are darker than others.
Different situations bring dark days. Usually it’s situations out of our control but we are willing to do anything to change them, yet the Lord allows us to endure them a while longer. Sometimes we loose sight that He DOES care for us.
Our family has been in struggle the last few months. I’m not sure I’d call it a dark time because we have so much to be thankful for, yet the struggle is real. Or perhaps it is a dark time and I know from the past that the ray of Hope is there, even when I can’t see it?
As we struggle we ask God to teach us what it is that he wants us to learn through this and of course, ask Him to allow it to pass quickly. The strange (glorious) thing is, the longer we stay in this struggle the more I am willing to say, “Not my will, but your will, Lord”. I am learning more about trusting Him, not being anxious even though circumstances and common sense are screaming at me. He keeps bringing back to me that not a hair falls from my head that He does not know about and that He’s got this. All I have, all I am, even down to this very breath, is through His grace alone.
Your Dark Days
You may have rebellious children. They shake their fist at you… and at their Heavenly Father. As your heart aches you worry if they will be swept off into eternity without God. You lay awake a night with worry and dread with a constant burning in the pit of your stomach. You ask God where you went wrong. Will your family ever be whole again? It feels like the cloud will never lift.
You may have an unfaithful spouse. As they break their vows and break your heart you are filled anger and the deepest betrayal. You may be doubting your own worth and begging God to fix it. You beg for the future of your children. Your trust in everyone is tested. It feels like the cloud will never lift.
You may have financial trouble. Even though you are willing to work hard and are frugal with your spending there is one hard blow after another. You may endure the critical judgement of others while you go without so many things others take for granted. It feels like the cloud will never lift.
You may have health problems. Even though you desperately want to feel better, to enjoy life, you may be inflicted with serious health issues. The pain may be more than you think you can take. Others don’t understand. Your health issues may drain you physically, emotionally and financially. It feels like the cloud will never lift.
You may be suffering grief. Grief and the holidays are two things that are hard to take together. Holidays are suppose to be joyous times, but grief is a very, very dark cloud. People expect you to ‘just get over it’, but when you are deep in grief it feels like the cloud will never lift.
When you are in a dark place it can feel like you will never come out of it. It is easy to forget that this too shall pass.
Mixed in with all the beautiful gifts of joy from God there also comes struggles and dark days… some are very dark days. All we can do is cling to His promises, seek wisdom and patiently wait.
I know it is hard to muster up the words, “Thank you”, when your heart is aching and your world seems to be crumbling around you. And just because the blogs and social media accounts show that most people have these perfect little lives… remember they too have their struggles, they either choose to keep them quiet for the sake of pride, or they are choosing to focus on the goodness of the Lord.
Remember! Remember the times in the past when He was faithful to deliver you. Remember the ways that He provided even the smallest of things. At the root of giving thanks is remembering what He has done!
No matter how dark your days are right now, there is a God of Light, a God of Hope who does answer prayers. He is a God of compassion that heals hurts and makes straight the paths for His own. Look for His ray of Hope. While you are in the dark stormy day, praise Him for He is worthy.
Even though our circumstances are always changing, He is forever faithful and worthy of our trust and praise.
Rejoice in hope,
be patient in tribulation,
be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12
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I’d like to share a book I wrote with hopes of encouraging other people who are helping parents cope with the death of a baby.
Get Your’s Free
