DARK MOMENTS, DEEP PRAYERS

I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land. (Psalm 143:6)

“I had a dark moment.” Those five words capture the internal agony of a popular female celebrity during a difficult season of life. Adjusting to a new normal was part of her challenge, and in her turmoil, she acknowledged that she wrestled with thoughts of hopelessness and despair. Pulling out of the downward spiral included sharing her struggle with a friend who cared.

We’re all susceptible to tumultuous hours, days and seasons. Valleys and hard places are familiar to all of us yet getting out of such places can be challenging. Seeking the assistance of friends is essential; turning to professionals is sometimes useful too. But there is an even greater source of hope available to all of us.

In Psalm 143, we read and are instructed by David’s prayer during one of the dark times of his life. The exact situation is unknown, but his prayers to God are honest and hope-filled. “My enemy has chased me. He has knocked me to the ground and forces me to live in darkness like those in the grave. I am losing all hope; I am paralysed with fear” (vv. 3–4).

For believers in Jesus, it’s not enough to acknowledge what’s going on within us to ourselves, to our friends or to medical specialists. May we go to God (thoughts and all) with prayers that include the earnest requests found in verses 7–10. Our dark moments can also be times for deep prayers—seeking the light and life only God can bring.

—Arthur Jackson

Father, please renew my strength and hope in You. When dark moments invade my life internally or externally and threaten to bring me low, help me to come to You in prayer.