My favorite thing about growing up in Florida was the time my family spent at the beach. No, I’m not a sun-goddess. My fragile and freckled pale skin has never stood a chance against the intensity of Florida’s sun-saturated sky, but I still love the beach.
Though I love the sound of the waves and the feel of the sand between my toes, my favorite pastime is to wake early each morning while everyone else is asleep and head out to the beach. With coffee in hand and a blanket draped around my shoulders, I make my way to a vacant beach chair and wait.
I wait as darkness looms all around. I wait, though the wind can cut mercilessly through any warmth from the blanket. I wait, though there is a heaviness in the air, a stillness that seems as intractable as it is dense. I wait.
I wait, because eventually the moment comes when the darkness gives way to a new day. The sky is painted in the most delicate array of color. In that moment everything changes. I wait for that moment, because every single day the sun rises I am reminded that the darkness doesn’t last forever. The light always comes.
For each of us there are times when it seems like the darkness before dawn will go on forever. Each of us will have moments, perhaps seasons, where the struggles of life threaten to overwhelm us, shake us from our safe, familiar bearings, and walk us into the coldest, harshest places.
Light in these seasons can seem so foreign, so other-worldly, so decidedly out of reach. Yet in the darkest moments, light is our greatest desire.
If you have ever felt lost in a season of darkness, there are three things to remember:
Hold on. Though everything in you feels like there is no hope, Scripture says that, “Joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NCV). Your joy will come. It may not feel like it today, but just as sure as the suns rises every morning, you can be sure that this season will pass. Darkness cannot last forever. Trust that there is light beyond the darkness. Morning is coming. It will be better than you can imagine. You can make it through.
Listen inside. When you are going through difficult seasons, sometimes your only focus is getting out of the season. You long for relief. If you could, you’d put on your running shoes and run as far and as fast as possible away from the pain. No matter what you’re feeling, try to listen inside. Is there a wound God wants to be healed? Is there a principle God wants you to learn? Is there a way you can use this painful place as a source of growth on your journey? Your healing lies within. His light lies within. Reach for it. It may feel covered and hidden, but it is there. He won’t disappoint. You can find purpose in the pain.
Be compassionate and truthful with yourself. Sometimes when the light is dim and hope seems so far away, you might have the tendency to be the most critical and condemning of yourself. Your thinking becomes both extreme and negative. It is crucial that you learn to be compassionate and truthful with yourself. The truth is, though your pain is real, His banner over you is love. His light reaches into the deepest places. He is your light and your salvation. The truth is you are completely loved by God. The truth is you are stronger than you believe.
Are you struggling today in a season of darkness? Do you feel hopeless that morning will ever come for you?
Hold on. Listen inside. Be compassionate and truthful with yourself.
Light is made brighter, more brilliant, when it is displayed against the backdrop of darkness. His light will be made more breathtaking and miraculous against the backdrop of your night. He can take your darkness and transform it into light. Trust Him.
Even in the midst of the darkest nights, there is a sunrise coming!
Ifeoma Samuel says
Hi Lisa, i like this post. i have had a lot of road blocks this year. But I am seeing things change. God is parting the red sea for me and I am going through.
My morning has come In Jesus Name. And for all those waiting for a miracle yours will come too In Jesus Name.
God Bless Lisa.
http://purposefulandmeaningful.blogspot.com/
Lisa Murray says
Thank you Ifeoma. There are times we all hit road blocks. I’m glad to hear that God is doing great things – that your morning has come!
Blessings!
Lisa Murray
shelly says
One of my general rules of thumb is when a post makes me cry, I write in the comments section. As I sit here tearing up, I would like to let you know how deeply your words touched me.
To say this is the darkest season of my life seems silly, as both my children and myself are in good health. Nothing compares to that. But, to say that this is my darkest season within myself would be very true.
At 50 years of age I am having to face myself, things about me, alone, for the very first time. No way to run or hide. It’s hard.
My favorite line in this post is: Light is made brighter, more brilliant, when it is displayed against the backdrop of darkness. Helps me realize that this time in my life is preparation so what comes next will have a space to shine brightly. Thank you.
Lisa Murray says
Thank you for your kind words, Shelly. Though this season may seem dark and difficult, God’s light will always shine brighter in our lives as a result. Though you may not be able to see His light or feel His light, it is coming. That you can count on!
Blessings to you,
Lisa Murray
Pat says
Thanks for this well written word of encouragement which all of us will need at some point in our lives.
Lisa Murray says
Thank you Pat!
Julie says
Lisa, I am so glad your ministry is reaching more people. I have had the blessing of your friendship and gentle guidance for decades.
Blessings to you as you continue to make a difference to so many.
♡ J
Lisa Murray says
Thanks sweet friend for you words of encouragement!
Blessings,
Lisa
Miriam says
Thank you so much for sharing this deeply needed word of encouragement. When I read:
“It will be better than you can imagine. You can make it through.”
The tears came.
It is so and it is well. Amen.
Lisa Murray says
Miriam,
For those of us who have experienced a dark season in our lives, when the morning comes, it is indeed better than anything we can imagine. Sometimes, that becomes the hope that sustains us and allows us to make it through!
Blessings to you on your journey, Miriam!
Lisa Murray
Kyle Harris says
Wow, this article really hits home! Great inspirational reading and an article I will probably return to and read again.
Lisa Murray says
Thank you, Kyle! I am glad the article offered inspiration and encouragement for you today.
Blessings,
Lisa Murray
Mindy says
Beautiful words or encouragement and truth!
Lisa Murray says
Thank you, Mindy!
Muzishn1 says
Great article! I needed this today … Thanks for sharing.
Lisa Murray says
Muzishn1,
I’m so glad you found the article helpful. Blessings to you!
Lisa Murray
Janna says
Lisa,
As I read this, tears rolled down my cheeks. My favorite part of this article was when you said, “Light is made brighter, more brilliant, when it is displayed against the backdrop of darkness.” Isn’t that just like our God….He uses the darkness in our life to make us more radiant, more beautiful than ever before! That’s exciting… because who doesn’t want to be more beautiful than they were before?!
(2 Corinthians 4: 16-18) “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
When I read this scripture now, I picture you sitting in your beach chair in the darkness but looking intently beyond the horizon even tho you can’t even see the horizon yet…but you keep your gaze fixed in that direction because you know the glory that is about to be revealed! Thank you Lisa for this reminder that no matter how heavy the darkness is…His light, His glory always overpowers it!!
Lisa Murray says
What a beautiful picture! 2 Corinthians is one of my favorite passages and I love its application here. The true secret of the Christian life is in “fixing our gaze on the things that cannot be seen,” because those things will last forever. That is the light, the truth. That is the hope we have in Jesus Christ!
Blessings, Janna!
Lisa Murray
rashida says
Very timely. Thanks you for the reminder.
Lisa Murray says
Thanks Rashida!
Valerie says
Lisa,
Beautiful! Thoughtful words to ponder this holiday season. Listening for what God might be gently teaching us and showing us makes these difficult seasons worthwhile, although they are not easy to live through. Appreciate your words of encouragement!
Lisa Murray says
Thank you Valerie! Dark seasons can challenge and shake the foundations of our lives. Listening for the ways God may be healing us or teaching us in the midst of our pain can provide strength to endure the night, as well as hope for the morning that is to come!
Blessings to you!
Lisa Murray
Linda says
Thank you, Lisa, for your very encouraging words.
Lisa Murray says
Blessings, Linda!
Wendi says
Thank you so much for these words. I really needed this today.
Lisa Murray says
So glad this article spoke to you and encouraged you today!
Warm regards!
Lisa Murray
Donna says
Thank you, Lisa, for these words.
I’m staring down 2015, going in raw as a single mom of four little ones, looking for a paying job after 9 years…learning how to just receive what God gives right as I need it, and not before. If I just keep looking at Him alone, I can keep moving forward and not be paralyzed by fear.
I’m printing this one out to keep me going.
Lisa Murray says
Donna,
Your words encourage me! No matter what our circumstance or struggle, our strength comes when we focus on God and God alone. You do not have to be afraid. Our God is trustworthy. One step at a time. One moment at a time. You can do it!
Praying blessings over you!
Lisa Murray
alli says
waiting.
Lisa Murray says
Alli,
Don’t give up! The darkness can seem overwhelming, interminable. Yet the darkness is not the end of the story. The darkness is not the end of your story. God has so much for you. Morning will come. His Word is true. Keep holding on. The light is just over the horizon!
Prayers going up for you!
Lisa Murray
Susan Gruener says
Thanks, I needed to read these words today. The ‘waiting’ is hard…but I am trusting God. I know He’s got it covered…and I continue to pray and believe.
Bless you for writing the words so many of us needed to read today.
God is good.
Lisa Murray says
Susan,
Yes, God is good. The ‘waiting’ is perhaps the hardest part of the journey, yet you are wise to continue to place your trust in God. He will never disappoint! His love is constant. His Word is true.
Be blessed!
Lisa Murray
Nancy Jablonski says
What a great word Lisa! All of us walk thru darkness in our lives. Thankfully, it does end..usually when we recognize Who God wants to be in us. He desires our trust in Him alone and ” the backdrop of darkness” allows His Name (Ex 34:6,7) to be known, and His Light to be seen! Blessings, Nancy
Lisa Murray says
Nancy,
His glory is what this journey is all about! My prayer is that His Light is seen and His Name is proclaimed in every season of my journey, even in the darkness.
Thank you!
Lisa Murray
Sarah says
Lisa,
Thank you so much for this wonderful post! I am so thankful that “morning is coming.” I have experienced a very difficult time recently, and have been so encouraged by Psalm 30:5. So much so, that I made it into a t-shirt. I started a t-shirt company this summer with encouraging shirts for women. http://www.heartworktees.com. Anyways, I’d love to send you a shirt if you are interested. I couldn’t find your email, so I decided to comment with all this. My email is heartworktees@gmail.com. Thank you again for your wise words of encouragement.
-Sarah
Norma Myers says
Thank you for this very timely reminder. The holidays are very challenging for us. On August 13, 2013 we lost our oldest son Aaron (26) in a horrific care accident. Our younger son Steven (24) survived the accident but sustained a severe Traumatic Brain Injury. Our Aaron loved sunrises. He would call or text me every morning when he witnessed a beautiful sunrise. We know one day we will paint a sunrise together. For now we must attempt to carry on with our precious Aaron memories while being here for our miracle son Steven cheerleading him on in his day by day recovery. I’m thankful that I took the time to read your precious words. Thank you.
http://ourhealth.uberflip.com/i/291903
Lisa Murray says
Thank you for sharing your story, Norma. I am so saddened to hear of your loss! The special memories that we have with our loved ones are part of God’s gift to get us through the dark seasons of grief. Blessings to you and your family this holiday season!
Lisa Murray
Rick Cua says
Lisa….thanks for this wonderful reminder of God’s love for us all. So well written…..I was right there on that beach with you (-: Blessings Friend, Rick
Lisa Murray says
Thanks, Rick!
Sybil W. says
Thank you so much for these words! Needed to hear them today! God is in control!!
Lisa Murray says
Thank you, Sybil! God is indeed, more in control than we can think or imagine. I believe we all need to be reminded of that often!
Warmest regards!
Lisa Murray
Sharon says
Some days, all the encouragement in the world sounds like “blah, blah, blah”. Other days, it’s the Balm of Gilliad. On those “blah, blah, blah” days It takes all the Faith I can muster, but I still trust that God is in control and that His answers to our troubling times will always end in Glory to Him. I was not up early enough for today’s sunrise, but the weather today is spectacular. So, as magnificent as this day is, I am still waiting for His Glory to outshine this lovely day – to shine through my darkness and for the Healer’s touch in our lives. Thank you, Lisa! It is a joy to know you.
Lisa Murray says
Blessings to you, Sharon!
Kimberly Barrera says
Thank you ……..a beautifully written truth !
Peggy S says
Lisa, I like this thought “Light is made brighter, more brilliant, when it is displayed against the backdrop of darkness.” I am slow in reading this as I have been physically ill for a few days. Illness never comes at a good time. I am humbled to have to remain home when “my kids”, the Youth Drama Team, our performing a skit this very minute. Reminded that it is NOT about me. It’s all about You, Lord. Thanks for your encouragement.
Lisa Murray says
Thank you, Peggy! Sometimes it’s hard not to get overwhelmed by the darkness. It just is. But the beauty of our faith is that we can readjust our focus to Jesus, who is our Light, our only Light. His Light is what is brilliant and beautiful. You are so right – it is all about HIM!
Warmest regards,
Lisa Murray
Beth Williams says
Lisa,
What a profound post! Your words resonate with me! This has been the roughest/darkest year of my life! I’ve dealt with moving my dad into assisted living and his many health issues (including 4 trips to ER), hubby almost lost job (had 2 changes in a year), and a job that changed drastically! The sentence “If you could, you’d put on your running shoes and run as far and as fast as possible away from the pain” really hit the nail on the head for me. I have felt like running far far away from work!
I know 2015 will be better–it has to be. I’m just ready for the light to shine super brightly and God to come in and take away all darkness!
Blessings 🙂
Lisa Murray says
Beth,
Sometimes when life just keeps coming at us, I think we all just want to put on our running shoes! Morning is coming. The Light will shine brightly. Right in the middle of our pain it shines. Even when it is hard to see, it shines. He shines. Hold on. The light that will be produced in our lives when morning does come will be brighter and greater than we can imagine!
Blessings to you in 2015!
Lisa Murray
Marty says
Love this post so much! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Lisa Murray says
Thank you, Marty!
Camille says
One of my favorite posts so far in my several months of joining this blog family. Thanks for beautiful encouragement!
Lisa Murray says
Blessings to you, Camille!
celia Fleishhacker says
Lisa; I love so much that you take the time to answer each post. That takes a great deal of effort and time. Today was a perfect example of what you were sharing. Beautiful sunshiny day with with a quietness that led one to believe that one could speak to God and that he would listen.
Lisa Murray says
Thank you for your words, Celia! Beautiful days combined with quietness – that truly is a special blessing!
Warmest regards,
Lisa Murray
Joan says
Lisa, your words seem to come straight from the heart of God! For me, it is the waiting that is so hard. As a fellow beach lover, your picture of waiting for the sunrise resonated deeply with me and reminded me that the sun does come up each morning. Hard seasons don’t last forever, and God has another beautiful beginning waiting for us. Thank you so much for sharing your words of truth and encouragement. I am looking forward to many more articles!!!
Lisa Murray says
Blessings to you, Joan!
Merci Miley says
Love this! Beautifully written life filled words. Love going to the beach with coffee in hand as well :). Such a good illustration to hold onto.