The Dark nights or storms we experience in life can vary from the loss of a dear one, a prolonged period of uncertainty, perhaps even a job loss, difficult or broken relationships, challenges with one’s health or that of a loved one. During these seasons, it is likely that we become depressed, we may experience doubts or even distance ourselves from God, depending on our personal relationship with God.
We may start to lose Hope especially if we have unanswered questions!
Everyone will experience these ‘dark’ seasons at some point, No one is immune from it. The nature of our storms may vary and even the duration may vary, however we must remember that after the storm comes the CALM. Storms do NOT last forever. What we must learn to do is prepare as much as we can and hold on to God.
We can prepare for possible storms by:
- Having a close personal relationship with God – cultivate a daily habit of praying and meditating on God’s word, so when the storms do show up – you have a bank of encouraging words to give you Hope.
- Keeping a journal of your experiences and walk of faith. I personally have 2, a free text one that allows me to just down my thoughts and the other one has prompts such as: things I am grateful for, things I would like to accomplish for the day, my declaration for the day, what/who I am praying for and finally my praise reports. It is encouraging to read back and see the amazing things God has done in my life and is still doing. Some prayers were never answered, which is fine by me for I know God’s plans for me are ultimately for my good.
- Staying connected with fellow Christians who can support you through your challenges, whatever form of support that may be.
When the storms do show up;
- Hold on to God, Keep Trusting Him to see you through. Weeping may endure for a night or nights, but Joy will certainly show up!
- Praise God through your pain & your struggles. In God’s presence, there’s fullness of joy and His joy shall be your strength. You will be empowered to rise above your circumstances
- Recall all that God has done for you in the past – Count your blessings and encourage yourself, trusting that this is another opportunity for God to manifest His power.
I share some coping strategies for bereavement in my book Letters of Hope, you can get a copy for yourself or a loved one from here
If you’d like a listening ear, please feel free to send me a message through the contact form
#BeEncouraged
