2 Suggestions for Getting Through a Dark Time

I’m an early riser and am out of bed long before sunrise. After Shug (my one-year-old Golden Doodle) is fed, we head outside for a walk, and most mornings, it’s still pitch black outside. Shug is a cautious dog and has zero interest in venturing into the darkness, so I take a flashlight. He’ll proceed as long as he can see a few feet in front of us. If I turn off the flashlight, our walk comes to a screeching halt.

Why is Shug afraid of the dark? The same reason we all are—darkness represents the unknown. For Shug, the darkness might mean a snake, skunk, an aggressive dog lurking, or something creeping up on him. For human beings, darkness comes in an even wider variety of forms—darkness might mean sin, sickness, losing a loved one, depression, unemployment, addiction, isolation, or anything that causes us to suffer.

Interestingly, one of the first things God did was create light (Gen. 1:3). Think about that for a moment. God’s first order of business was to separate light and darkness. It’s a theme that begins in the opening words of the Bible and is woven throughout all of Scripture. When you’re fumbling through a season of darkness, it’s tempting to feel like there’s no end point. But the apostle John wrote, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: “God is light, and there is absolutely no darkness in him” (1 John 1:5). In a dark season, the only way to maintain hope and keep moving forward is to fix your eyes on the light.

Practically speaking, what does it mean to keep your eyes fixed on the light of God?

First, it means habitually reminding yourself of the goodness of God’s character. Reading and meditating on the Scriptures is the best way to do that. Things around you might be falling apart, and the people in your life might behave like scoundrels, and hucksters, but you can count on the reality that God’s character is perfect and true. When King David was down and out and surrounded by enemies, he said, “This I know: God is for me” (Psa. 56:3). In a dark season, it’s imperative that you interrupt “bad thoughts” with the truths of Scripture. And here’s the kicker; you might have to do that dozens of times each day. But doing so beats letting your thoughts get away from you and being overcome with worry and negative thinking.

Secondly, it’s crucial to view your problems through the lens of God’s power. No situation is hopeless with God. What is impossible for you is routine business for Him. God can accomplish more in a twinkling of an eye than the most competent and productive person you know can complete in a lifetime. Keep reminding yourself of God’s character and capabilities. As you fix your eyes on God He will lead you one step at a time. Ask Him, “What is the next wise thing for me to do?” Set your troubles at his feet and gaze into His goodness. You’ll find no darkness there—nothing but light.

“For you are all children of light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or the darkness” (1 Thess. 5:5).

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