MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS Night Seasons by Brad Bonhomme

Night Seasons

By Brad Bonhomme

“Even the “Even the darkness darkness will not be dark to you; will not be dark to you; the night will the night will shine shine like the like the day, for day, for darkness is as darkness is as light to light to you.” (Psalm 139:12) you.” (Psalm 139:12)

How many times do you think you’ve heard the word ‘unprecedented’ this year? I’ve probably heard it used over 100 times and still counting!

Though this word has been overused, it’s an accurate description of this season. 2020 has been characterised by unforeseen events and many unknowns. In fact, it has been one of the most difficult seasons of ministry that I can remember. As we lead through uncertainty, as pastoral leaders we have had to learn to be highly flexible and fluid. Intentional planning, scheduling and strategising have had a marginal impact, even for the most seasoned leader. How do we lead in a changing season? How do we plan ahead when Government requirements seem to be revised almost weekly? As pastors, we are anchored by clarity. Clear reference points provide a platform of stability, positioning us to be prepared for what’s next. There’s been no reference point in navigating through the Coronavirus pandemic. Instead, it has been a moving target causing many leaders to feel disorientated. Drawing parallels with Biblical experience, this current season reminds me of the wilderness wanderings. The people of God faced great uncertainty and the absence of a clear vision. To them, their wanderings appeared to be a waste of time, something to endure. Yet, God was up to something great! Their experience teaches us that no time is ever wasted in Him. The book of Exodus reveals how God led His people through uncertainty:

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. He took not away the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22)

Through Both Day & Night The people of God had to learn to travel by day and by night. Most leaders can lead during the visibility of the day. However, the journey towards destiny requires us to also be mobile through the night. As a leader, to continue to move forward, you will have to learn to lead and be led in both settings. At night, things are unclear. It requires us to seek God’s face for clarity to take the next step. Night seasons often remove our reliance on practical experience, causing us to listen to His voice ‘through the intricacies of darkness.’

“Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12) ‘Clouds and darkness would seem to be the things most opposite to the unutterable brightness of His most glorious nature; but even clouds and darkness are pressed into His service and made His ministers.’ - Pulpit Commentary Rest assured that even in the dark, God knows what He is doing. He knows the best play and the best way! He knows how to get you from now to next!

Through Uncharted Territory As pastors, we have the guidance of God’s Spirit through the desert plains of life.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” (Isaiah 30:21) This has been a huge lesson for our church team as we’ve walked through uncharted territory. Humbly serving the Prime Minister of Australia and his family has brought both great excitement and pressure. Alison and I have hosted worldrenowned international guests yet have also had to work with the intensity of ongoing media scrutiny. Our ‘nights’ were filled trepidation, joy and…more trepidation. In it all, the night season has taught us to follow Him with intent and a determined resolve.

Through to The Promised Land We may not know what comes next. What we do know, is that God has promised to be with us and guide us to the promised land. He is our defender, leader and assurance.

“He took not away the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:22) There is no part of life from which He withdraws Himself. Remain faithful and keep following Jesus, our Great Shepherd.

“Who among you fears the LORD? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the LORD and rely upon his God.” (Isaiah 50:10) You are called by God to be an effective leader. God has designed you in such a way that enables you to do the work He has called you to. The familiar adage still remains true: “The will of God will never lead us where the grace of God cannot sustain us and enable us.”