God speaks to us out of the night of the soul.
The night of the soul. It’s difficult, isn’t it?
Lingering. Suspended in time until you feel like you can’t take anymore.
The night of the soul is real and harsh and confusing, but the night of the soul points us to the faithfulness of God.
And that is worthy of praise.
It is said, “The darkest hours of night are just before the dawn.”
Perhaps that’s because of the contrast between dark and light. The contrast emboldens the darkness yet welcomes the inevitable light. That fine line between despair and hope. The bridge of reassurance across the abyss of brokenness.
And in that moment of darkest night the soul wrestles with simply giving up. Giving in. And the forces of hell come against the child of God because the enemy knows the breakthrough is coming.
The enemy knows the child will behold the glory of God.
The glory of God. That’s it, isn’t it? Perhaps that’s the purpose behind the night of the soul because in its unfolding, the night draws us to behold Him.
The sun is tipping its head, peeking out above the mountain ridge. Ribbons of tangerine lace themselves across the blush of the new day. The light grows brighter, larger, consuming the darkness, spreading its wings across the earth.
The glory of a new day dawns.
The glory of God’s mercies are once again revealed. Renewed. Faithfulness is epitomized in the tangerine ribbons above.
Great is His faithfulness — His mercies are new every morning!
But without the night of the soul would we — could we — behold the glory of our God? His Presence? His faithfulness? His mercy? Every resurrection must have a death. A sorrow. A night.
The night of the soul — as much as I detest it — is leading me by the hand to behold the glory of my Lord. How? Because God is in the darkness with me. With you. We are His children and He will never leave us. He spoke to Moses out of the dark cloud. He spoke to Job out of the whirlwind. He speaks to us out of the night of the soul.
Are you listening?
Are you groping for His hand in the darkness so that He might lead you out into the dawning of the new day? Oh! I pray so.
God is good and faithful all the time. His mercies are new every morning.
As sure as the sunrise, His mercies will greet you. He will draw you out of the darkness into His marvelous light.
And you, Beloved, will behold the glory of Your God.
Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for Him.” ~ Lamentations 3:22-24, NIV
So inspiring, Nan! And timely. Thank you!
Thank you Cathy. You’re so precious.
I love love love this. And I have beheld His glory this week! It’s been magnificently amazing. 🙂