I have noticed this tendency to believe God has abandoned me in the seasons of darkness. When I’m sad, depressed or angry, I think God must be absent, or worse He’s upset with me. It is easy to feel God is only present in the victorious times of joy and celebration. He is the author of victory and strength after all.
Many women have come to a Healing Hope group convinced their husband’s addiction is a punishment for something they did or failed to do. Our misconceptions must grieve the heart of the Lord so deeply.
The Darkness of Pain
God created all of our emotions. Each one has a purpose and expresses our humanity in a fallen world. Pain is everywhere, as are the emotions that help us process them. Death, grief and great loss can often make way for a season of depression. It’s hard to function when so much emotional energy is being used for the natural grief process and that is okay. Don’t forget the Bible’s shortest but powerful verse, “Jesus wept.” John 11:35.
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The challenge is to seek Him in the darkness and silence the enemy who whispers many lies. “You have been abandoned by God. You are weak. This should never have happened.” If we do not succumb to the lies, this is the place intimacy with Christ grows. He can walk us through our grief.
Sometimes, when we are overwhelmed in pain and depression, we can feel like a failure in processing our emotions. Yet, the trauma our bodies go through can induce a chemical imbalance. He can use the right counselor or doctor to help bring healing. The important part is inviting God to direct you to those who can help. His counsel sometimes is as simple as His instructions to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5. “Rise up and eat.”
The Darkness of Anger
Anger is often considered the opposite of being godly. But let’s not forget Jesus’ anger was a response to the injustice of defiling His father’s house. Ephesians 4:26 also gives us a healthy boundary for anger. “In your anger do not sin.” It does not say don’t be angry, but that anger can be a catalyst that leads to unforgiveness, bitterness and offense. All gives the devil a foothold.
Anger is also an appropriate and natural response to betrayal. The challenge is to let it serve its purpose and propel us forward toward healthy action. God’s heart is for honest expression, resolution, healing and restoration. But that always requires both parties seeking the Lord, self-reflecting and being willing to change.
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He In the Darkness
Healing is always possible through Christ. The next time you find yourself drowning in that darkness, don’t let the enemy of your soul keep you from the One who can truly minister to your pain and loss. Christ endured more than we can imagine to pay our debt. We honor His death when we live in the freedom that He paid for us to have.
Though we have not yet arrived at Heaven’s gates, we must continue to lean on the One who knows the pain of this world better than anyone. We must remember His words, “I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me will not remain in darkness.” John 12:46.
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If you are dealing with the trauma of betrayal, our staff and facilitators are here to walk with you through it. Message us today at [email protected] or join a Healing Hope Group.
