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April 14, 2010

The Crazy Dark Days

by by Jenni Catron

Leadership is lonely.

We know that. We’ve been told that a zillion different ways from a million different leaders.

But, have you ever had one of those days that is beyond just lonely? One of those days where it feels so dark, like the world is closing in and you want to just walk away?

I call those the dark days of leadership. The days when the shades of gray are so thick you can’t see hope for the future at all. The days where you question everything. The days when your confidence and commitment seem nearly gone.

Lonely days are one thing, but dark days are lethal.

Darkness is suffocating and debilitating and if you allow yourself to live there too long it will destroy your leadership.

I’ve had my share of dark days. And what I’ve found is that there is a direct correlation between my dark days and my communion with God. More specifically my lack of communion with God.

My dark days come when

• I’ve been working from my own strength
• I’ve eliminated solitude and Sabbath
• I’ve failed to head the warnings of loved ones and friends
• I’ve neglected quality, consistent time with God

My dark days are a result of my vain efforts to do it all, be it all, have it all.

“Are you going to continue this craziness? For only crazy people would think they could complete by their own efforts what was begun by God” (Gal. 3:3, MSG).

The dark days are the hardest days to stop and get perspective. I find myself toiling more over the things I’m stressing about and yet frantically getting nowhere. I love that the Galatians passage calls this “crazy.” Yep, that’s what it feels like—crazy!

“Stay with God! Take heart. Don’t quit” (Ps. 27:14, MSG).

How about you? Do you wrestle with dark days? How do you stop the craziness?

Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on April 14, 2010 6:38 AM

Comments

Thank you Jenni for the message. This is exactly what I need for the moment. I have been going through a series of dark days and I have my share of carziness in my life. My faith is out of place. Thank you for the message and encouragement. I believe God speaks to me through you. Blessings. Tina

Posted By: Tina | April 15, 2010 2:54 PM

HPRESS MY WAY THROUGH AS THE LORD KEEPS ME NEARELLO, I MUST ADMIT THAT I HAVE MY CRAZIE MOMENTS WHAT I DO IS THINK ABOUT MY LORD AN SAVIOR AN I KNOW HE BRINGS ME THROUGH ALL THE TIME.PRAISES WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY MOUTH!!!!! AMEN

Posted By: ALMA | April 15, 2010 6:45 PM

You're so right, Jenni. My experience has been exactly the same. If my life isn't centered on God and His power and direction for me, I get discouraged and fail. Time alone in communion with the Lord is so important. Thanks for the encouragement.

Posted By: Elizabeth | April 16, 2010 10:21 AM

My dark day are most longly when i dont ask for forgivness just. For sin i may do .

Posted By: lynette | April 17, 2010 1:54 AM

It's sometimes just part of the territory. Christ is sufficient.

Posted By: kelly | April 17, 2010 4:30 AM

Know that the dark days will come. Days of discouragement. Despondency. Depression.

Don't fight it. It uses too much energy. Simply accept that life happens. It is what it is.

And be confident that by God's power, those days will ebb away.

And embrace the fact that God might have allowed those days so we would stop trusting in our own strength so much. And lean hard on Him.

And then we truly have something authentic and real to give to those we lead.

Posted By: Linda Stoll | April 19, 2010 9:09 AM

oh wow, jenni. this was so timely for me. i've been in the midst of "crazy dark days" and needed this reminder...

Posted By: alece | April 20, 2010 8:41 AM

deare sir thanku i am a pastor and foundar and president of united pastors faith ministries org with 70 pastors . i am living in india i and my frendly pastors all are dooing gospal out reach work . so now i need your gaidens and assitens to do gospal work . i need not your e letters i need your books and other orticals by postal mail , how long i read your e letters . so if are do any thing to me then send your books bibles and other books by postal mail if not other waise please dont send your e letters to me thank salikity

Posted By: pastor salikity vaikuntarao | April 24, 2010 2:31 AM

thank you so much for your insight and your honesty. So often our pride in our self suffciency stands in the way of hearing from the Lord and those are the times that I find myself getting tired and feeling overworked. I have heard your message from the Lord myself and I now (usually)recognize the overwhelming feeling as time to seek HIM and rest in HIM...sometimes just finding a quiet place in the chaos of my workplace gives me time to call on HIM, breathe HIS peace and serenity into my body and continue the work HE has for me so that HE can be glorified in me and through me. thank you so much for your word.

Posted By: Irma | April 24, 2010 7:41 PM

I am a entrepreneur business women, CEO of a Apartment Hotel. Together with this Im part time in women's ministry. The field where Im working in, is mostly in disadvantaged areas, in the rural part of SA where the churches can't afford to give me an offering when coming to minister. Therefor Im still CEO of my business. This sometimes cause a double dosis of 'dark times' as leading a staff of 15 people and staying focussed on my ministering can be very stressful. Ive recently ministered about Living a live of praise and worship and find out this is where my strengh lie - just praising the Lord whatever the situation is. He is all I need.

Posted By: Nerina Smith South Africa | April 25, 2010 11:03 PM

I'm glad i came across this piece just now, for I was in dire need of a reminder that all of our days will not go smoothly. Up until this moment I hadn't really realized the value of this technology, for it is in the comments posted by other women leaders that I got the complete picture of what being a leader in these times means. And for that feature of e-zines I'm more than grateful. For all of you who comment, heartfelt thanks.

Posted By: nilda zoraya | May 8, 2010 9:45 PM

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