Some of you may be reading this because the title caught your attention and you can relate to it. \u00a0Others of you are curious about what will be written and the reason for this publishing of this blog article. \u00a0Regardless, I hope you will find encouragement and hope within the next few paragraphs.<\/p>\n
Shadows are caused by an object coming between your sight and a light-source. \u00a0It blocks your ability to see light and can cast you into a place of shade and even darkness. \u00a0Others around you, in different places, can bask in the light while you remain in the shadow. \u00a0Some of them may not be able to understand why you are unable to see light even though they may be able to see the object blocking or the shadow it produces. \u00a0But for you, living in the chill of the shade, it can be a very dark place and, at times, be without hope. \u00a0This can take several different forms. \u00a0It can look like discouragement, frustration, depression , anger and even delve into suicidal thoughts. \u00a0The deeper you find yourself being sucked down the more desperate you become for someone, anyone, to understand you. \u00a0You may even reach a point of feeling shame for your feelings and thoughts which actually cause you to huddle even more in the shadow. \u00a0Often times you may feel misunderstood and completely alone. \u00a0You may even come to recognize that some of how you are feeling is extreme and not even accurate and still it has sunk into your bones and being and you cannot seem to shake it.<\/p>\n
Here are four thoughts I hope will encourage you in this midst of this darkness:<\/p>\n
1) You are not alone<\/b> – there are others around you living in the shadows hoping no one else can see their struggles. \u00a0To believe that you are singular in your experience and struggles is simply a lie which can further alienate us from our support structures. \u00a0We never can know who around us is in the midst of struggle and shame. \u00a0They may not be as far along the path as you are. \u00a0They may be able to bury it or hide it better than you can. \u00a0That doesn’t mean their struggles are any less real or debilitating than yours. \u00a0Truthfully, it can mean they actually weigh heavier. \u00a0People in leadership positions be it in the home, at work or in the church, often push down their struggles because people depend on them. \u00a0In their roles they feel they cannot reveal the struggle and must push forward giving the outward impression of stability. \u00a0All that being said, it helps to recognize that others are also struggling and trying to find their way back “into the light.” \u00a0Be encouraged! \u00a0You are not alone.<\/p>\n
2) There is no shame in seeking out help<\/b>. \u00a0One might argue that to seek out help is a significant step on the pathway to healing and freedom! \u00a0Who should you ask about resources for help? \u00a0I would begin with those you trust. \u00a0To ask everyone and anyone is to invite questions which may cause you to shrink back and stop your progress down this particular path. \u00a0If you are an employee, ask your human resource person is there is any counselling available in your employment package. \u00a0If you are part of a church, ask your pastor or elder if there is counselling available through the church or if there are counselling agencies they would recommend. \u00a0If you are on staff at the church, ask your pastor what is available for you or, if relations are tense in that area, speak to your district leader regarding this. \u00a0If you are a pastor, ask your district leadership team to see if the district has resources available for you. \u00a0However you need to have hands to pull you up and out or ears to listen, sounboard, and counsel, DO IT! \u00a0Find the help you need and ask. \u00a0It can only lead to brighter days once the hard work is done.<\/p>\n
3) Know and believe that God’s Word is true and unchanging<\/b>. \u00a0Specifically, God loves you! \u00a0Numerous things can cause us to dip into darkness. \u00a0It can be hormone imbalances, stress in different areas of life, frustrations with situations, and even shame regarding personal sin and failure. \u00a0In all of these things are told that God loves us. \u00a0In fact, nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8). \u00a0Not what others have done, not what you have done, not situations in life seemingly stacked against you — nothing! \u00a0“When darkness seems to hide His face I rest on His unchanging grace. \u00a0In every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil.” \u00a0Check your anchors. \u00a0If they are any but God your anchor will not hold. \u00a0Only God is the unmovable Rock on whom we can place our trust. \u00a0I was listening to The Rock Won’t Move<\/i>\u00a0by Vertical Church Band and found these lyrics to be of great encouragement. \u00a0I pray they would encourage you as well: https:\/\/m.youtube.com\/watch?v=8RpLB7bAlYc<\/a><\/p>\n When the ground beneath my feet gives way and I hear the sound of crashing waves — All my world is washing out to sea. \u00a0I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves — Holding fast to the promise of Your truth — You are holding tighter still to me.<\/p>\n Oh, the Rock won’t move and His word is strong — The Rock won’t move and His love can’t be undone (x2).\u00a0<\/i>The Rock of our salvation<\/i><\/p>\n My hope is in the promise of Your blood — My support within the raging flood — Even in the tempest, I can sing. \u00a0I’m hidden safe in the God who never moves — Holding fast to the promise of Your truth — You are holding tighter still to me.<\/p>\n On Christ the solid rock I stand — All other ground is sinking sand — The Rock won’t move (2x).\u00a0<\/i>And when darkness seems to hide His face — I rest on His unchanging grace — The Rock won’t move.\u00a0<\/i>No, the Rock won’t move<\/i><\/p>\n 4) God has a specific purpose and calling on your life<\/b>. \u00a0Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” \u00a0God sees you and knows you. \u00a0God created you for a purpose to do something no one else can do. \u00a0In the midst of our struggles it is easy to forget this truth because we can become overwhelmed and consumed with only seeing what is immediately around us. \u00a0I think this is why Paul tells us to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus “the author and perfector of our faith” who was able to endure struggles joyfully for the goal before him. \u00a0This goal was to pour out his life for you and I so that we could be reconciled with God. \u00a0Are you separated from God right now? \u00a0Might this be a major contributing factor to the darkness you are in? \u00a0I would never seek to minimize what you are feeling but realize ones perceptions and emotions are amplified by the experience of living in the shadow. \u00a0There is hope. \u00a0There is light. \u00a0Seek the help you need. \u00a0Pray! \u00a0Get into God’s Word. \u00a0Move back towards your support structures. \u00a0Know that God’s mercy is new every morning. \u00a0There is forgiveness for those who ask and cleansing in repentance. \u00a0Come back into the light one step at a time knowing others are seeking to do the same. \u00a0Come out from behind that source blocking the light and step towards the Son.<\/p>\n This song,\u00a0I Will Follow,<\/i>\u00a0has been a comfort to me in times of darkness – be at peace: \u00a0https:\/\/m.youtube.com\/watch?v=Xh3ZK7JecK0<\/a><\/p>\n When the sea is calm and all is right — \u00a0When I feel Your favor flood my life. \u00a0Even in the good, I’ll follow You. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 When the boat is tossed upon the waves — \u00a0When I wonder if You’ll keep me safe. \u00a0Even in the storms, I’ll follow You<\/p>\n I believe and I will follow You — I believe everything that You say You are — I believe that I have seen Your unchanging heart. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/i>In the good things and in the hardest part — I believe and I will follow You. \u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n When I see the wicked prospering — When I feel I have no voice to sing. \u00a0Even in the want, I’ll follow You<\/p>\n When I find myself so far from home — And You lead me somewhere I don’t wanna go. \u00a0Even in my death, I’ll follow You. When I come to end this race I’ve run — And I receive the prize that Christ has won. \u00a0I will be with You in Paradise<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some of you may be reading this because the title caught your attention and you can relate to it. \u00a0Others of you are curious about what will be written and the reason for this publishing of this blog article. \u00a0Regardless, … Continue reading