The Dark Night of the Soul

Job 23:8-9 ESV

8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.

desolation: devastation; destruction; a person, thing, or event that defiles a holy place and thus causes it to be abandoned

The Way Forward

I. Persevere on His Promises

Job 23:10-11 ESV

10 But he knows the way that I take;when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. 11 My foot has held fast to his steps;I have kept his way and have not turned aside.

James 1:2-4 ESV

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Perseverance is not developed in easy times; the ability to persevere is only produced in difficulty.

The Way Forward

I. Persevere on His Promises

II. Remember His Faithfulness

Job 23:12-14 ESV

12 I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. 13 But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?What he desires, that he does. 14 For he will complete what he appoints for me,and many such things are in his mind.

If He did it then, He can do it again.

The Way Forward

I. Persevere on His Promises

II. Remember His Faithfulness

III. Don’t Retreat into Silence

Job 23:15-17 ESV

15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence;when I consider, I am in dread of him. 16 God has made my heart faint;the Almighty has terrified me; 17 yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,nor because thick darkness covers my face.

Don't Retreat into Silence:

1. With other people.
2. With God.

Don’t let your pain silence your prayers, and don’t let your pain silence your praise.