Things I Have Learned in Dark and Hard Times.

And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:3 KJV 

None of us enjoy suffering and adversity. We would take a bypass around that part of life if we could. However, many of us have learned lessons in difficult times that we would not have learned otherwise. Life has a way of making you bitter or better depending on where you place your focus. God has a way of taking the difficult things in life and turning them into a beautiful tapestry of color, if we allow Him.

The following list of scriptures I took from my Thompson Chain reference Bible: ref. #1952 – “Trouble, common to all men.” Job 5:7, 14:1, Psalms 71:20, 116:3, Ecclesiastes 2:23, Jeremiah 8:15.

It is impressive to read the context these verses are taken out of. These people of old, turned to God in their trouble and God heard and delivered them. These people in the Bible inspire us because they found a power beyond themselves in their times of trouble. These verses inspired me to write a list of things I have learned in dark and hard times.

 

Things I Have Learned About God, Others and Myself, in Hard and Dark Times.

I have learned that God is not just in Bible stories, but alive and real today.

I have learned miracles still happen.

I have learned God loves me, and meets me where I am.

I have learned I can come to God any time with my load of trouble.

I have learned that I am broken and imperfect.

I have learned that God is my healer.

I have learned I do not always perceive things correctly.

I have learned that my past experiences alter the way I see, hear, and perceive things to be.

I have learned that shame is a debilitating power, but God’s power is stronger.

I have learned to listen to the advice of those nearest me.

I have learned it is sometimes better to sleep on a problem or idea before acting.

I have learned that other people think differently than I do, and that is normal and good.

I have learned and am still trying to learn, to be still and let God work out the details.

I have learned that there are others who understand my struggles.

I have learned that friends who walk beside us are a blessing and tremendous help.

I have learned there are feelings and thoughts I cannot express with words.

I have learned there are burdens that only God can really understand and help me bear.

I have learned that people that think differently than I do can help me get a different perspective.

I have learned at times to be silent.

I have learned that talking with someone about my troubles can be a tremendous help.

I have learned to talk and communicate even when I do not feel like it.

I have learned about the power and lies of Satan.

I have learned that I am quite normal; others suffer from similar troubles or worse.

I have learned I am not alone, God can and does heal brokenness. He understands me and is with me in my pain.

I have learned that I need God, because I cannot deal with everything that goes on in my mind.

I have learned that I need God to change my thoughts, and feelings.

I have learned that God enables me to forgive and let go.

I have learned that God loves me, and that His Word is full of promises that are applicable for me today.

I have learned to trust God, and to wait for Him; He continues to teach me to be patient.

I have learned that God can change what I think about myself and others.

I have learned that God’s power is so strong that it can change what I cannot see.

I have learned that He works slowly and gently, if we seek change with an honest heart.

I have learned that He wants me to use the talents He has given me, for His service.

I have learned that it’s okay to not be okay with God. I can tell Him all about it and He doesn’t scold me!

I have learned it is helpful for me to write my thoughts down.

I have learned He wants me to share with others, what He has given me.

I have learned that emotional pain is real.

I have learned that which no man could teach me, by His Holy Spirit.

I have learned that with God, things I thought impossible, are possible.

I have learned with God; I can simply be myself.

I have learned that God does not give up on me, like I do on myself.

I have learned that others have bigger troubles than I do.

I have learned that if I dwell on bad things, it will get me down.

I have learned that God sees my bank account and is aware of the bills coming due.

I have learned and am learning to be vulnerable.

I have learned that God uses people like me to do His work, even in weakness and failings.

I have learned it is good to cry. Many times, I have found tears wash the heart and reach God’s throne.

I have learned there are many other hurting people who need to know God loves them.

I have learned there are people who are afraid, and need a listening ear, without judging their emotional state.

I have learned that life isn’t all fair.

I have learned that anger is not sin, but a symptom and an expression of my emotions, which shows I am not passive about life.

I have learned that time helps me gain perspective and is a good healer.

I have learned that I am still learning, and relearning.

 

Things God has Given Me Through Hard and Dark Times.

He has given me peace when I did not think it was possible, many times.

He has given me friends who listen and give affirmation.

He has given me deep quietness and acceptance.

He has given me understanding and compassion for those who suffer from affliction, pain, and abuse.

He has given me compassion for those who hurt others, realizing they also are suffering from pain.

He has given me self acceptance.

He has given me the ability to be flexible.

He has given me the ability to stand strong in Him.

He has given me inspirations to encourage me.

 

Blessings I Have Received from God.

A wonderful, lovely, Christian wife who is my companion, friend, and cheerleader.

Three wonderful, amazing children.

A Christian Home.

A church family where I find peace and security.

A nice home, and quiet place to live.

Enough money to get by, and sometimes a little extra.

Health, emotionally and physically.

The ability to sing.

The ability to learn and do a variety of trades.

Some may say that these things blessing are all just a part of life; yet we know that not everyone has equal opportunity. We had no choice where we were to be born or what circumstances we would find ourselves in. Therefore, any good things that we have in life, are a blessing from our Heavenly Father.