When in Dark Seasons
Some seasons are long and dark. They can leave us disoriented and confused, making it difficult at times to reconcile our core beliefs with what seems to be an oversight by God or an exception to our personal circumstances. We wonder where God is. Why doesn’t He step in and fix the injustice or restore what is broken?
I have found that during these dark seasons we must cling to what we know to be true about God. The mantra that my husband and I have on repeat is, “God is faithful. God is good. God is in control.” We must recite (and sometimes shout!) it to ourselves whenever necessary. And sometimes, as we proclaim these truths, we must also pray, “Lord, we believe, help our unbelief!” (Mark 9:24).
The truth is, despite our feelings, God does not abandon nor neglect us. He is present with us in all seasons. We can count on His faithfulness. He is always good. He never loses control. Reflect on these verses:
- Psalm 34: 18 “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
- Psalm 56: 8 “You have kept count of my tossings, put my tears in Your bottle.”
- Psalm 145: 17 – 19 “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His works. The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. He fulfills the desire of those who fear Him; He also hears their cry and saves them.”
I think of the refrain from the old hymn by Daniel W. Whittle (1883).
“But I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.”
The seasons that bring us disappointment and sorrow may linger for now, but one day all will be redeemed. Cling to what you know to be true about God. He is trustworthy!
