Dark Moments, Deep Prayers - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2024

Bible in a Year: Job 3-4, Acts 7:44-60

Lord, preserve my life; in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
Psalm 143:11

Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 143

"I had a dark moment." Those five words capture the internal agony of a popular female celebrity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adjusting to a new normal was part of her challenge, and in her turmoil, she acknowledged that she wrestled with thoughts of suicide. 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 aren't foreign but getting out of such places can be challenging. And seeking the assistance of mental health professionals is sometimes needed.

In Psalm 143, we hear 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. "The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed" (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. We must earnestly come to God (thoughts and all) with prayers that include the earnest petitions found in Psalm 143:7-10. Our dark moments can also be times for deep prayers—seeking the light and life only God can bring.

By: Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray
In the midst of your darkest moments, how do you typically respond? Why is it difficult to be honest about your struggles?

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