Feelings don’t always mirror reality.
Frank had hit bottom. He couldn’t imagine losing any more than he had already lost. His roller coaster ride began with his wife’s confession of unfaithfulness. He had his suspicions, and he had noticed people at church whispering. But he trusted her and had promised to love her for better or for worse. Now, however, he knew he couldn’t trust her. She didn’t love him and wanted a divorce.
Had Frank worked a regular job, his wife’s leaving probably wouldn’t have mattered. But his profession made a difference. His personal and family life weighed heavily on the outcome like a piece of lead. When he shared his news with the church leaders, they suggested he resign. Since he and his family lived in a church-owned home, he knew what that meant. Finding a place to live.
The confession started the dominoes tumbling. Over the next few years, Frank experienced numerous fallouts. He lost his retirement savings, withdrawing it to pay bills. He took a job making one-third of his church salary, which meant some bills went unpaid. Soon, the collection agencies would knock on his email and snail mail doors. Months later, he found himself alone after his daughter went to college and his son decided to live with his mom.
Frank never imagined facing such dire straits, but he never forgot that God hadn’t left him. Regardless of how he felt—and he often experienced that “dark night of the soul”—his faith remained anchored in God.
I, too, have experienced some “dark nights of the soul.” Times when God felt distant and unconcerned. Job experienced the same. He lost almost all a person could lose—and God allowed it. Satan needed proof that Job wasn’t merely following God because of God’s blessings.
When we experience those dark nights, we must remember that God hasn’t left us. He promises never to leave or forsake us, and his character hasn’t changed. He knows all we experience and controls the intensity and duration. We can also remember his unconditional love. Allowing us to experience valleys leads to spiritual growth, not detriment. Additionally, we can recall his power. With a spoken word, he can end our cloudy days—and will, at just the right time.
When you feel God has left you in the darkest valley, remember feelings don’t always mirror reality.
Father, thank you for never leaving me during my dark night of the soul.
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