If I ask the darkness to cover me and all the light around me becomes dark, then it will not be dark for You because to You the night is as light as day and darkness is like light to You. Psalm 139:11-12, The Bible for the Deaf

 

Once again, I find myself drawn to Psalm 139 – its words never fail to steady my heart.

 

This psalm reminds me that life unfolds in seasons. Over the past three years, I’ve learned time and again that so much of what feels permanent is, in truth, only temporary.

 

With a little one in the home, you become much more aware of these phases. Broken sleep doesn’t last forever, though it often feels like it will. Teething passes. Habits – whether good or bad – don’t necessarily last forever.

 

The same goes for everything else. Adjusting to new work circumstances takes time, but eventually, you find your feet. You and your partner might be struggling to connect, but those misunderstandings can be easily cleared up.

 

Yes, there are moments in life that are rather difficult. There are aspects of our lives that don’t align with what we want, which can feel like navigating through darkness without a clear path ahead. It’s especially hard when you don’t know how to make things better – you just have to push through, no matter what.

 

Just get through the week. Survive the day. Push through the next month. Keep your head down and focus on what must be done to make it to the other side.

 

Do you sometimes feel like that, too? As though you’re just surviving and not thriving?

 

When we are striving to live a full and vibrant life, it can be difficult to grapple with these feelings. My advice is this: Remember that God is always present, even during challenging moments. During times when it feels like you're just pushing through or keeping your head down, know that these periods are temporary. God's presence, however, is constant and unwavering. He will be with you not only during the struggles but also in the lighter, happier times.

 

Prayer: Dear Lord, please help me to hold onto the truth that yyou are with me in the darker phases of life, still surrounding and carrying me. Amen.