Every Christian who wants to live for Jesus will go through dark seasons of life. We dread such times, and long for the pain of darkness to be finished. I think most of us would feel that way. But something deeply redemptive happens during these times…

“I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭16:7-8‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

It is during times of suffering and darkness that God reveals Himself to us in ways that are very significant. There are lessons we learn in a season of darkness and night that become etched in our spirit.

When God revealed the ten commandments, Moses responded to the people…

“And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.’ So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.” (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:20-21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

I can only imagine how fearful it must have been to experience the thunder, lightning, and smoke coming from the mountain – an awesome display of God shaking and disrupting the natural order of things to bring His commandments to the people. In fact, God said, “You see how I have talked to you from heaven.” He got their attention and brought His word.

But I love Moses’ response to this fearful event. He drew near to the thick darkness, because God was present there! The people stayed far off, but Moses threw himself into the dark place! Because there was no question that God was among them, speaking to them, correcting them, and bringing His word to interrupt their business as usual.

What I see from these passages is that we get a new and fresh glimpse of God’s intentions and thoughts when we find ourselves in a night season. If we draw close, we will be forever changed. If we resist, become stubborn or prideful, we miss the moment.

My prayer is for God to speak to us clearly, reveal Himself, and allow us to see Him in those dark places. He hasn’t gone anywhere.

~ Kirk Henderson