From the Pit to Praise: Finding God's Purpose in Dark Times

Life isn't always a bed of roses. While we cherish the mountaintop experiences where everything seems clear and God feels close, the reality is that our spiritual journey often leads us through valleys and pits as well. These dark seasons can leave us feeling hopeless, discouraged, and questioning where God is in the midst of our struggles.

But what if these difficult times aren't just random occurrences or punishments? What if God has a greater purpose for allowing us to go through the "pits" of life?

In Psalm 40, we find David reflecting on a particularly dark season of his life - likely the years he spent running from King Saul who was trying to kill him. David describes this lonely, fearful time as being stuck in a "horrible pit." Many of us can relate to that imagery. Perhaps you're in a pit of your own right now - whether it's financial troubles, marital strife, health issues, or some other circumstance that has left you feeling trapped in darkness and despair.

If that's you, take heart. God's Word offers hope and a perspective shift that can help us navigate these challenging seasons.

First, we must recognize that pits are often just that, seasons. They don't last forever, even when it feels like they will. As Psalm 30:5 reminds us, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." The key is learning to wait patiently upon the Lord, trusting that He is at work even when we can't see or feel it.

This patience isn't easy. Our natural instinct when we find ourselves in a pit is to exhaust every ounce of energy trying to escape. We want out, and we want out now! But what if God wants to use the pit to equip us? What if, instead of asking "Why?" we began asking, "What are you trying to teach me here, Lord?"

You see, God doesn't waste our pain. Everything He does or allows is for our good and His glory, even placing us in pits. These dark valleys serve to either correct us (like Jonah) or perfect us. They're not punishment, but preparation.

When we view our trials through eyes of faith, we begin to understand that the pit is often God's way of preparing us for what He has prepared for us. It's in these places of brokenness that God is nearest to His children. Psalm 34:18 tells us, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

If you feel crushed today, take comfort - God loves broken people. There are more pieces for Him to work with as He puts you back together for His glory. We may only see fragments of the puzzle now, but one day He will reveal the whole picture.

While we wait for deliverance, we shouldn't waste our wait. Sometimes God's greatest work begins in the pause. Instead of just begging to escape, we can praise God on credit for what He's going to accomplish through this season. Our outlook determines our outcome.

Eventually, David testifies that God "brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm" (Psalm 40:2). The same God who allowed David to experience the pit was faithful to deliver him from it.

When God pulls us out of our pits, He doesn't just rescue us - He restores us. David says God put a "new song" in his mouth. Our worship is never stronger or more sincere than right after the storm passes and we can look back to see God's hand at work. Suddenly, we understand the purpose of the pit, and all we can do is praise.

Importantly, our experiences in the pit become platforms for God's glory. They form a crucial part of our testimony. We can't tell others about God's faithfulness in dark times if we've never experienced it ourselves. Our story becomes a beacon of hope for others going through similar valleys.

This is the beauty of the body of Christ. We all go through different trials, and God uses our past experiences to encourage and strengthen one another. When a brother or sister is struggling, we can say with conviction, "If God was faithful to me, He'll be faithful to you. If He didn't forsake me then, He won't forsake you now."

Here's a profound truth to meditate on: If we don't learn to trust God in the dark, we'll never learn to walk with Him in the light. It's easy to praise God when everything is going well. But the same God who is worthy of praise in good times is equally worthy in our darkest hours. Even when it feels like everything is falling apart, He may just be putting things in order.

For those who don't yet know Christ, you're in a unique kind of pit - the pit of sin. But the good news is that you don't have to stay there. The same God who delivers His children from horrible pits can reach down into the muck of sin, pull you out, forgive you, and set your feet on the solid rock of salvation. Today could be the day you trust Him as your Lord and Savior.

To the child of God going through a valley right now: remember that God is near to the brokenhearted. He's at work in ways you can't yet see. Don't waste your wait. Keep trusting, keep seeking, keep praising - even in the pit. One day, you too will be able to testify of God's faithfulness and sing a new song of deliverance.

From the pit to praise - it's a journey that requires patience, faith, and a willingness to let God work. But on the other side of that dark valley, you'll find a testimony that will encourage others and bring glory to the One who never left your side, even in the deepest, darkest pit.

All for Him,

Pastor Dustin