Is your day dark? Are you dealing with difficulties? Are the setbacks and problems of this season getting to you? Do not waste the opportunity to discover the truth about yourself. Make the most of a miserable moment and carefully observe the alignment (or lack of alignment) between who you think you are are who you really are. This information is insight for your praying, the basis for remaining humble, and the grounds for rejoicing in God’s ongoing work. How can it be all three?

In our dark days we become privy to the faults and cracks in our character. As we behold the horror of how callous we can become in bad times we see what needs to be taken to the throne. “This is a real concern, O Lord! In moments like these I am not caring/careful with my words/consecrated in my living.” Do not fail to notice what is not right… and then bring it to the King. We can cast our crowns before him one day. But we can and should also cast our cares on Him now (1 Peter 5:7). Hear our patriarch David:

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;

Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever;

Do not forsake the works of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8)

I am the most humble man alive. Hence, I am writing this part of the post only for your benefit. And what I am saying is this: When it becomes clear that my heart has issues, that my mind is not all that is should be, and that my tendencies are not all about promoting the King and His kingdom, I am reminded to be humble as I work with my fellow fallen brethren. I am reminded, in the light of my negative attributes coming forward in a night of setbacks, that I have no right to think little or less of those who are struggling to get it right. His grace has brought me safe thus far. And only by His grace am I standing. And the same grace that has been bringing me is needed to bring me home. (I wrote that part for you. I do not struggle with pride. I am far too humble to have that problem. How humble? The most humble man alive.)

In my messy moments I can also become a witness to His work in me. When it seems like everything is going wrong around me and something is still going right within me… to God be the glory. It is proof positive that He has been at work. I can rejoice in that fact. And I should. I should give thanks for His ongoing shaping, teaching, and changing me.

What are you going to do with your dark days, brethren? Make the most of them. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you see the truth about your self. What you see can be the content of your praying, a reminder to be humble, and a reason for rejoicing.

In His grip by His grace,