What God is Doing in the Dark - Before the Morning Part 3
Have you ever felt like your faith was strong… but your experience didn’t match?
In Before the Morning: What to Do in Your Night Season, Diana walks through a powerful 3-part mini-series designed to help you navigate the quiet, uncertain, and sometimes dark seasons of your walk with God.
In Week 3, we are talking about -
How To Stand Over What You Are Feeling
Through biblical truth, honest reflection, and practical encouragement, you’ll learn:
Why God’s silence doesn’t mean He’s absent
What He may be doing in hidden seasons
How to stand firm—even when your feelings are unsteady
This series is a bridge into a deeper journey ahead: A study from Dr. Alicia Britt Chole and her book The Night Is Normal.
Series: Before the Morning Part 3
Hello everybody… and welcome back to Heartfelt Conversations with Diana.
I’m so glad you’re here today. Over the last couple of weeks, we’ve been walking through this mini-series, Before the Morning: What to Do in Your Night Season.
In week one, we talked about what happens when things get quiet… and we held onto this truth:
God’s silence is not His absence.
And last week, we talked about what God may be doing in the dark… how He often uses hidden seasons to form depth, trust, and endurance in us.
And today, we are talking about how it’s one thing to understand the purpose of a hard season. It’s a whole other thing to actually trust God to walk you through it! Right! lol
to make this practical.
As Pastor Eric spoke God’s word on Sunday, he gave an illustration on how, in the game of Poker, when you have the winning hand (or believe you have the winning hand), you go all in; you can’t be all in and still hold onto even one of your poker chips.
You are “trusting” that you have the winning hand based on your personal experience with the game. You gain confidence in making that call over time.
Our “all in” journey with God is similar to poker. Sometimes we make a call without asking God, and we blow it. We didn’t have as strong a hand as we thought we did. Or, because we blew it once, now we are too afraid to even participate in the game, and we sit on the sidelines in fear, clinging to our chips. Clutching them with our lives.
Often, our “hand” reveals our heart.
God knows it is a journey for us to learn how to trust, especially when you have lived in brokenness and decay and deception and instability. You are not alone on this journey, and it is a journey with many stops along the way.
One of the reasons Jesus came was to show us the way. To shepherd us along the winding trail. Through the valleys and the peaks, and every portion along the way.
It is a journey I am on, and every time I think I have pushed all my chips into God’s hand, proclaiming, “I’m all in, Father!” I discovered there is one more “chip” hidden. But little by little, with each step of faith in God, I am gaining experience in trusting Who He is, learning to trust His “hand” each day, not what I see with my eyes. Not what I hold in my hands.
Each time I am willing to face what He has given me the grace to face, I grow. I become stronger, and the weight I have been carrying on this journey becomes a little lighter. Helping me to see a little clearer.
No. You are not alone. We are not alone. There are many more like us.
Psalm 34:17 (NIV): The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 145:18 (NLT): The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth.
There are moments in our walk with God where our feelings will not cooperate with our faith.
We know what is true. We know what God has said. We know the verses. We know the promises. And yet…
We don’t feel strong. We don’t feel peaceful. We don’t feel encouraged.
We don’t feel confident about the hand we “feel” has been dealt to us.
So then what? What do you do then?
How do we stand? When our emotions are so entangled in pain or anxious thoughts that our feelings will not cooperate with our faith.
Maybe you have or are now wrestling with the temptation to give up… shut down… maybe you are lost and drifting.
Now, our feelings and emotions are real. They are not something to shame, ignore, or pretend away. They do matter. But let me also say in our first point
POINT 1: FEELINGS ARE REAL, BUT THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO LEAD US
feelings were never meant to lead your life.
They can inform you, express you, but they should not govern you.
Because if we build our lives only on what we feel at the moment…
We will be up one day, down the next, steady for an hour, and unraveling by evening. Our opinion will be based on how we feel at that time.
Shifting sand. That is what our emotions are when we try to build our life on them.
Has anyone ever had one of those days, or weeks, or maybe that is your life now? Shifting sand.
Most of us have lived in “sand castles” of some sort. Where our thoughts and emotions govern our behavior and actions, this is not about condemnation.
It is about learning where to stand. And sometimes, like I did recently, we need a leader, a mentor, a pastor, someone with a calm, steady voice to remind us that our feelings are genuine, and real, and we can become torn by the way we feel because of despair or desperation, where our feelings do not cooperate with our faith, but we do not lean on our feelings, we lean on the Word of God.
We have our foundation to stand on by what we know to be true. And we know the Truth. Like my pastor reminded me. Sometimes we just need another brother or sister in Christ to help remind us, encourage us. That is why a local God-centered church is so important to get plugged into.
One of the verses she gave me was John 10:3
John 10:3 (NIV) states, "The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out".
This verse is speaking about the intimate, personal relationship between Jesus (the Shepherd) and His followers ( His sheep, those who believe in Him). We are the ones who recognize His voice and are safely led.
I was carrying a bag of emotions and feelings that I didn’t realize I was still carrying, or, in the case of the poker chip, holding back. But it was one of those “hidden” things, making my heart heavier and life in general harder than it needed to be.
My pastor reminded me that a lot has changed in my life. Maybe a long time ago I had emotions and feelings and all kinds of voices in my head, but now I have a personal, intimate relationship with my Shepherd. I do know His voice. I don’t have to be afraid. He will not allow me to be led astray. I have no need to fear. He will not leave me in a bad place or abandon me. I know I have a good Shepherd, and when I follow Him and not my emotions, the path is always safe.
Once I let go of the fear that I didn’t even realize I had, the load weighing me down lifted.
I immediately knew everything would be okay, because she was right. I knew His voice. My feelings were trying to lead.
My feelings were causing me to hesitate, and they were hindering me from being fully free in Christ.
That is why God’s Word is so important. The scripture she gave to me nourished my heart, fed my soul, and brought healing to my emotions. I knew I would be able to stand firm with grit and grace. Not on my own, but because I am God’s child. He supplies all I need. Philippians tells us -
Philippians 4:19 (NLT): And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
I mentioned we need community within the local church. It is not healthy or good to live isolated lives. God just did not make us that way. Community with other believers is important - but one of the biggest changes in my life came when I realized that I did not have to stand alone.
Jesus tells us in John 14:16 and 17, a couple of other verses the pastor gave me - we have a Supernatural Helper. An Advocate. He is also known as the Spirit of Truth. The Holy Spirit will help guide us in knowing the path of truth when we learn to be led by Him. These are the words of Jesus -
John 14: 16-17 (NLT): And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.
He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and will be with you later.
The Holy Spirit was sent to be our Helper by Jesus to guide believers into all truth. He is our Guide. With Him, we are never standing on our own. All I know is when I was trying to live a Christian life without knowing the Holy Spirit and how vital He was to me. Trying to stand felt more like striving, which is very stressful! And that brings us to point number 2
POINT 2: STANDING ON THE WORD IS NOT STRIVING
With the Holy Spirit, we are not striving, we are thriving! We are standing firm in the truth of God’s Word.
Sometimes when we hear the word “stand,” we imagine pressure. It’s like the phrase “Hold The Line.”
We imagine gritting our teeth. Trying harder.Holding everything together ourselves. Pretending we are stronger than we really are.
I almost did that out of embarrassment, maybe pride, but I almost didn’t go to my pastor, and I am so grateful I did not let my feelings lead me, or hold me back.
Standing, spiritually, is not striving. It is not performing. It is not acting. Or thinking you appear weak. Or foolish.
Standing is remaining anchored in truth… even while your emotions are trying to pull you elsewhere.
Standing is not pretending you are okay. It is choosing where you will plant your weight.
Because in the night season, a lot of things will try to become your foundation. And that brings us to point 3
POINT 3: WHAT YOU STAND ON MATTERS
Your emotions. Your circumstances. Other people’s opinions. Your own ability to “figure it out.” You need immediate relief. Attention. Approval.
None of those things make a stable floor, a sturdy foundation.
Truth does. The character of God does. His faithfulness does. His Word does.
Not because we “feel” Him every second…
But because it remains true whether we feel it or not!
Matthew 24:35 (NIV): "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away."
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV): "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever."
Psalm 119:89 (NIV): "Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens."
Proverbs 12:19 (NLT): "Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed".
1 Peter 1:25 (NIV): "...but the word of the Lord endures forever."
The Billy Graham Library tells us these 3 important keys about God’s Word
Permanence: Unlike physical reality, God's word does not expire or change. Meaning it has permanence.
Authority: It remains relevant across generations, possessing the same authority today as in the past. Meaning it has All Authority.
Truth: Because it is true, it withstands testing and scrutiny. Meaning it is the foundation of all Truth.
If you have ever been caught in a storm on the beach, you know how hard it can be to trek a long way through the sand. Especially walking up and down the dunes.
Especially in the storms, it is really difficult. You would rather be walking on the boardwalk, something a bit more solid under your feet.
And that is exactly what truth, God’s truth, becomes in dark seasons. A solid foundation for us to walk securely on.
He doesn’t always show up in a dramatic fashion. We can’t count on our emotions to know He is present with us. By faith, we believe, we trust what his word tells us.
In Him, in His strength, we will be steady. Steadfast. His word stands the test of time, so you can count on His hand. His Mighty Righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV): So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
He has the winning hand, the victorious, righteous hand, and because you believe in Jesus, you are a co-heir. You get to share in God’s winning hand!
If you are going to go all in - go all in with God! He alone is your only safe bet. He is worthy of all your chips, because He will withhold no good thing from you.
Psalm 84:11 (NLT): For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.
POINT 4: THREE SIMPLE WAYS TO STAND
Here are three simple anchors. Three things to keep our footing secure as we travel this journey with Jesus.
1. Stay in the Word—even if all you feel is that you have nothing to spare
In hard seasons, you may not have the capacity for long, deep study every day.
That does not mean you have failed.
Sometimes standing looks like holding onto one truth and coming back to it again and again.
One verse. One promise. One reminder of who God is. Not to “perform” …But to keep your footing.
2. Keep prayer simple and honest
You do not need polished prayers. You do not need impressive words.
Sometimes prayer sounds like:
“God, help me.” “God, I feel tired.” “God, I don’t understand this.” “God, hold me steady.”
That kind of honesty does not push God away.
It brings you near. He desires an authentic, genuine relationship with you, not the cleaned-up parts you tried to do without Him.
3. Do not isolate
This one matters so much. When people are hurting, tired, or spiritually dry…The temptation is often to pull back.
To go quiet. To disconnect. To hide. But isolation makes the night feel even heavier. You may not need a crowd. But you do need a connection.
A trusted friend. A pastor. A mentor. A safe person who can remind you of the truth when your own mind is tired.
POINT 5: SOMETIMES STANDING LOOKS SMALL
And I want to say this because I think it will free somebody listening today:
Sometimes standing does not look impressive. Sometimes standing looks like:
getting up feeling rushed and praying anyway
opening your Bible even when it feels dry
choosing not to quit
showing up weak, but still showing up
That still counts. That matters. That is faith, too.
You do not have to feel strong… to stand strong.
Because your strength was never meant to come from your emotions.
It comes from what you are standing on. The Word. Faith. Trust in God.
1 Corinthians 16:13 (NLT): Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
How do we stand firm? In the faith. Faith in your God. Not your circumstance.
Don’t let your emotions and your feelings lead your life.
Maybe you’ve been measuring your faith by your feelings.
Maybe because you feel numb, weary, or discouraged… you’ve assumed this is just your life. A roller coaster ride of emotions.
But what if that isn’t true?
What if the fact that you are still here…today, this very day. You are still listening… You are still reaching…You still want God in the middle of your weariness…
answers the very assurance you needed, to know that He is sustaining you. He has been protecting you this whole time. Maybe more than you realized.
Yes! God Does Love You!
This subject is something important that we all need to begin to understand:
Night seasons are not strange interruptions in the Christian life.
They are part of the journey.
Not because God is cruel. Not because faith is failing. We need to trust God and have faith that our Father does some of His deepest work in places we would not have chosen.
And that is exactly where we are headed next.
Father,
For the one listening right now who feels tired…stretched… numb… weary… disillusioned…Would you steady them? Not with pressure to perform, but with grace. Steady them with your grace and give them the grit they need, and help them stand on what is true, even when their feelings are trying to be louder than their faith. Remind them that even the smallest of baby steps matter. Simple prayers matter. Weak faith, placed in a faithful God, is more than enough for miracles to happen. Teach us how to remain still. To remain standing in Your word. Teach us how to trust You in the night.
In Jesus’ name - Amen. So Be It!
Well,
We’ve spent the last few weeks talking about what it means to trust God in quiet and difficult seasons…
Next… we’re going deeper. Because what if the night… isn’t something to fear? What if it’s something to understand?
This will be a journey into faith, formation, and learning to walk with God in the dark. So stay tuned in.
Because sometimes the most confusing seasons of our lives become the very places where God teaches us who He really is.
Not just as our Savior in the light… but as our Shepherd in the dark.
I hope this next series coming will meet you with truth, steadiness, and hope.
#NewSeries #FaithJourney #SpiritualGrowth
I’ll see you next time. And until then, you can check out the notes for today’s podcast and a link to Pastor Eric’s message from last Sunday, which we have been talking about throughout this podcast. His message is called Radical Generosity.
And if you do not already have a local church home, join us online for Sunday service at Valley Family Church! You can find that link, the notes, and Pastor Eric’s message.
On our website -heartfeltconversations.com
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Let’s say Psalm 28:7 out loud together!
The LORD protects and defends me; I trust in him. He gives me help and makes me glad; I praise him with joyful songs.
Psalms 28:7:(Good News Translation)
See ya next time on Heartfelt Conversations with Diana!
Pastor Eric’s message:
Easter's Epilogue: Radical Generosity | Pastor Eric Jones
Valley Family Church YouTube Channel for Sunday Service:
https://www.youtube.com/@ValleyFamilyChurch/streams
Heartfelt Conversations with Diana Facebook link:
Need a Church Home?
Join us at Valley Family Church, tell them Diana invited you! 🙂
Thirst Quenchers
Songs to Inspire You:
Let There Be Light - Hillsong Worship
Casting Crowns - Praise You In This Storm (Live from YouTube Space New York)
Casting Crowns - Just Be Held (Official Lyric Video)
Foundational Encouraging Verses:
Isaiah 42:16: God’s Word Translation
I will lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them.
Isaiah 54:10: Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.”
Psalm 119:105: Your word is a light unto our path and a light unto our feet.
Isaiah 54:17: But in that coming day, no weapon turned against you will succeed. You will silence every voice raised up to accuse you. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD; their vindication will come from me. I, the LORD, have spoken!
Isaiah 52:12: (EASY) But you will not have to hurry and run away. No, the Lord, Israel's God, will keep you safe. He will lead you at the front, and He will be your guard at the back.
Isaiah 46:10: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times,what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Matthew 7:11: So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
1 Peter 2:23 tells us - When He was insulted, He did not answer back with an insult; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but placed His hopes in God, the righteous Judge.
Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
1 Peter 2:12 says, “Live such good lives among the pagans that… they may see your good deeds and glorify God.”
The New Living Translation reads it this way: Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Now choose life."
Luke 6:37“Forgive, and you will be forgiven”.
Matthew 6:14: If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
Romans 8:31 in the AMP Bible tells us: What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?
Psalm 65:11: You crown the year with a bountiful harvest; even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.
Psalm 32:8: The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
Proverbs 15:3: The Lord sees everything, whether good or bad.
1 Peter 5:7: Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.
Additional Resources:
Steven Furtick: Triggered Taking Back Your Mind in the Age of Anxiety
Beth Jones: Getting a Grip on the Basics is a great resource to help you get the basics of how vital you are to God and how good He desires to be to you
https://www.thebasicsuniversity.com
Joyce Meyer: The Mind is a Battlefield - https://joycemeyer.org
Prayer of Salvation
Jesus has given salvation, healing, and countless benefits to all who call upon His name. These benefits can be yours if you receive Him into your heart by saying this prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You admitting that I am a sinner. Right now, I choose to turn away from sin, and I ask You to cleanse me of all unrighteousness. I believe that Jesus rose again from the dead so that I may be justified and made righteous through faith in Him. I call upon the name of Jesus Christ to be the Savior and Lord of my life. Jesus, I choose to follow You, and I ask that You fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit. I declare right now that I am a born-again child of God. I am free from sin and full of the righteousness of God. I am saved in Jesus’ name. Amen.
This prayer and the comment above were taken out of the book:
Secrets to Powerful Prayer - Discovering the Languages of the Heart
By Lynne Hammond and Patsy Cameneti
If you have just received Jesus as your Savior, please write Lynne Hammond Ministries at:
PO Box 29469
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55429-2946
Or, email one of the ministries listed on the Additional Resources Tab and let them know that you are a brand-new Christian and need some direction on the next steps for your new life in Christ.
Or email us here at Heartfelt Conversations with Diana, and we will forward your information to you.
Congratulations if you are a brand new Christian or if you have Returned Home! Welcome!!! Get in God’s Word and get it into you.