How to cope in dark times is something every person needs to learn. Being human is to know the depths of dark valleys, but it is in the dark times we learn more about ourselves and reveal what is true.
People all over the world, Christian and non-Christian, feel that the time we are living in is dark and chaotic and soon to end. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. Living peaceably seems to be a thing of the past.
The Cause
The cause of dark times is individual for each of us. They are times of suffering, loss, confusion, and even spiritual dryness. Dark times are part of living in a fallen world, Romans 8:22. Dark times reveal what is true.
More Bible prophecy is being fulfilled than ever before as the times are growing darker day by day. It is widely believed that the Day of the Lord is about to reach its climax. Alas, you who are longing for the day! For what purpose will the day of the Lord be to you? It will be darkness and not light, Amos 5:18. Alas for the Day! For the day of the Lord is near; And it will come as destruction from the Almighty, Joel 1:15. It is a day of darkness and gloom and destruction, Zephaniah 1:14-18.
All this was prophesied in the Bible thousands of years ago. Jesus spoke at length about the end of days, Matthew 24. The writer of Revelation is full of the end of days. All the world, if it has ears to hear, has been forewarned of these dark days.
Refines the Soul
No one enjoys the dark times, yet they have a purpose in God’s eternal plan. We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His purpose, Romans 8:28.
Just as silver and gold are purified by fire, so the dark times of life purify the soul, if we are yielded to God. Humble yourselves therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you, 1 Peter 5:6,7.
Dark times are where our character is refined as we deepen our reliance on and relationship with the Almighty I Am that I Am, Exodus 3:14. It is only through testing, that our faith produces perseverance, perseverance produces character and character, hope, James 1:3, Romans 5:3,4.
Strengthening
God’s ways are not the ways of man, Isaiah 55:8,9. God intends dark times to strengthen us, for when I am weak I am strong, 2 Corinthians 12:10. When we trust God our strength and resilience are developed. Dark times are then our opportunities for personal growth, for God often reveals Himself in the darkness, Exodus 20:21.
In dark times we either rebel and turn on God in anger, or we learn to lean more fully on Him and all His promises towards us. It’s not enough to believe in God, we need to learn to trust Him in everything. Knowing God is not just accepting the idea of Him, but about personally knowing His Presence.
Learning Compassion
It is through the pain of dark times that we learn empathy for others and how to respond with mercy. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others, 2 Corinthians 1:4.
Only those who have known deep sorry will carry healing in their hands. Great songs that continue to minister to the hurting ones, have been written by those who have known such sorrow.
Pain not only teaches perspective it clarifies what matters most. God does not leave us to our own devices but walks every step of the way through our dark times, Isaiah 41:10.
Protected
The Day of the Lord is the time of divine intervention and judgement. A time of great trial and tribulation centred on the nation of Israel and the rise of the Antichrist. Yet, out of that time will come multitudes upon multitudes who will turn to Christ for their salvation, Revelation 7:9,14.
Those who live daily in a true relationship with Christ have no need to fear the Day of the Lord, Psalm 23:4. Just as the Israelites in Egypt were kept from the judgement of God, Exodus 12:29.
Israel’s Protection
Israel experienced the plague of water to blood, frogs and lice, Exodus 7:14 to Exodus 8:19. From the fourth plague onward there was a clear distinction between the Israelites and the Egyptians, Exodus 8:22,23. However, the Israelites were exempt from the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and death of the firstborn, Exodus 8:22 to Exodus 12:12.
Like Israel, we need to trust in God’s undying love for His people. We live in this world which is temporary, but we are not of this world, John 2:15-17. Our true citizenship is in the eternity of heaven, Philippians 3:20. True followers of Christ will be kept from the outpouring of God’s judgement on the earth in the end times. Our lives are hid in Christ Jesus, Colossians 3:3 and He is our protection.
The Dawn
The darkest hour is just before the dawn of a new day. The end of something is always the beginning of something else and dark times often precede new assignments. Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit, John 12:24.
From the darkness comes newness of life, just as new life follows a devastating fire in nature. For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us, Romans 8:18.
Surrendered
We cannot control or predict what will happen tomorrow, for control is one of man’s greatest myths. Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble, Matthew 6:33,34.
For those who accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour dark times may end even in death, as in the case of many Christian martyrs. Yet, that death is a victory, as seen in the life of Stephen, Acts 7:54-60.
Essential for Victory
Being an overcomer is essential for coping in dark times. This is a challenge for all believers. The key is to keep your eyes on Christ, for He has a purpose in everything, Romans 8:28.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you encounter various trials, James 1:2. Trials which have a purpose in God’s eternal plan. They are permitted by God, for Satan cannot operate outside God’s permission, Job 1.
How To Cope in Dark Times
How to cope in the dark times is about surviving as an overcomer and walking through the darkness. God has an eternal plan for your life for He knows the end from before the beginning, Isaiah 46:10. Your name was written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world and will not be erased, Revelation 3:5.
True believers in Christ are on the winning side and cannot lose, therefore they do cope in dark times. Lift up your heads because your redemption is drawing nigh, Luke 21:28. These dark times are about to come to an end. Ensure you are on the winning team through your relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
Dr. Wendy Stenberg-Tendys is a servant of the Lord who enjoys researching Biblical topics and sharing words of encouragement from the Word of God. She asks the hard questions.
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