Night Seasons

“What I tell you in the darkness,
speak in the light…”
Matthew 10:27

There are deep truths and graces which can only be known and understood in the night seasons. God has purposed specific lessons, along with dispensations of mercy, for each of us which are discovered as we walk through dark places. It is in those trying and desperate times that we are weaned from the distraction of other things. Our sight is limited, and the silence is disconcerting. God seems distant and we are left with little but our own thoughts and perplexities. It is then that God draws near to unveil Himself and reveal His greatness and purposes to us.

David had learned of this when he declared in Psalm 139 this magnificent truth:

“If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee”
Psalm 139:11-12

Scriptures are full of the visitations of God in the night seasons. They testify of the wrestling within whereby Jacobs become Israels. They speak of strength and hope being ministered to His own in their pilgrimages and wanderings in lonely and desolate places. Foundations are established, callings confirmed, and hearts renewed in the faithfulness of our God. Who cannot but praise the One who visits us in such places!

“And God spake unto Israel
in the visions of the night…
Saying fear not…”
Genesis 46:2-3

It was during the night that God called Samuel to be a light in the desolation of Israel because of a backslidden and adulterous priesthood. It was in the night that Jesus came walking upon the stormy seas to call His disciples unto Himself.

“And in the fourth watch of the night
Jesus went unto them,
walking on the sea…
And he said (to Peter), Come”
Matthew 14:25,29

As David’s history with God developed over the years he began to speak of his own personal “night watches” where he meditated upon God. He remembered his God and listened for Him to speak and comfort him within the depths of his soul.

“When I remember thee upon my bed,
and meditate on thee in the night watches”
Psalm 63:6

Do not fear the night seasons for hidden within are the personal and private disclosures of His purposes for you. Out of these times men and women of faith emerge with renewed strength to meet the New Day and declare in the light the truths received in their own night season.

“And it came to pass that night,
that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan…
” Go and tell my servant David,
Thus saith the Lord…”
2 Samuel 7:4

Brian Troxel