In the Night Seasons

I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; my heart also instructs me in the night seasons. Psalm 16:7 (New King James Version)

I have come to believe that the true test of spiritual growth and the practicing of infused truth takes place in the night seasons of our soul. Not during the sunny days, clear skies, and smooth roads of life, but rather during the storms, temptations, disappointments, losses, and pain. I have often looked at times when I struggle as simply the exposing of my own weaknesses and I would cringe at the realization. I dreaded the moments when I would slip into despair and discouragement. I didn’t like the darkness. But this morning I am seeing something I have missed. It is during those times that God is giving me the opportunity to live and apply what He has been teaching me in my more “sterling” moments.

The instruction comes easily for me. I love truth! I actually get an energetic high off it. When His Word comes alive to me and something makes sense I am on cloud nine and eager to talk about the thrill of what He is showing me. Applying that truth and integrating it into my every day life is another story all together. It’s harder and sometimes scarier. Yet it is at those times when God wants me to take the principles He has given me and incorporate them into my thinking and heart. They are not meant to simply be nice thoughts to enjoy on good days. They are meant to be my anchor, foundation, stronghold, compass, companion, and guide through every storm, enemy attack, and self imposed difficulty.

God in essence is saying, “Trust Me to bring about the results I intend as you follow me with trust, obedience, and abandon.” He wants me to see that His counsel will not fail me. He wants me to use it to instruct myself in the night seasons of my life. He wants me to learn during the hard times to fix my eyes on Him rather than on myself or my circumstances. He wants me learn to walk in His strength when I feel at my weakest. He wants me to see Him as my Light when things are the darkest. He wants me to accept any and all help He gives me for the purpose of bringing me out of my solitary pits. That help often times comes in the form of friends, books, music, and His Word. Anything or anyone who points me back to Him is a precious tool in His hands that He uses.

I am feeling wonderful this morning, but I know this moment is temporary. There will be a time when my feelings will shift and that will be the opportunity for me to choose to take what I have shared and actually live it!

Father, You have given me instruction many times. Help me to now run with it! Amen.

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uHdcyue0bSw&feature=related