Night Seasons

Night- "the quality or state of being dark; a condition or period felt to resemble the darkness of night."

Season - "a time characterized by a particular circumstance or feature."

Night seasons … we all have them.Those times when nothing is as we would have them be. They can take many forms: sickness, relationship problems, betrayal, the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, to name a few. Regardless of the shape in which they present themselves, all night seasons have several things in common: darkness, disorientation, uncertainty, pain, confusion, and a longing for the dawn. There can also be a sense of isolation, the sense that no one else really understands. Not true. Others have inhabited these seasons. Listen to the Biblical character Job. You may find your own thoughts and emotions echoing in his words.

What did I do to deserve this?

Did I ever hit anyone who was calling for help?

Haven't I wept for those who live a hard life,

been heartsick over the lot of the poor?

But where did it get me?

I expected good but evil showed up.

I looked for the light but darkness fell.

My stomach's in a constant churning, never settles down.

Each day confronts me with more suffering.

I walk under a black cloud. The sun is gone...

(Chapter 30, verses 24-31, The Message)

Although they last longer than we desire, night seasons are just that, seasons, and they will end. May your strength and courage be renewed today, and may the reminder that "this too will pass," encourage rather than irritate.