Nov 10
Today’s Truth
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light (Psalm 18:28 NIV).
Friend to Friend
Have you ever received a gift that you wanted to return but couldn’t? I certainly felt that way about the pit of depression when I first 
experienced it. I wanted to take that nasty black hole to the nearest “Pit Store” and exchange it for a tall mountain of victory. But I have come to the place where I thank God for what He has done in my life through the pit of depression. Anything that makes me cry out to God can be counted as a blessing.
We all have a pit of some kind in our lives. Your pit may not be depression. It may be an addiction you find hard to conquer. Your pit may be a difficult relationship, or a life plan gone wrong. It may be a diagnosis of cancer or a chronic physical disease that keeps you broken, wondering if God even cares. He does. I know because I am what you might call a seasoned “pit dweller.” Let me share some truths I have learned through my struggle with the pit of depression.
Pits are a certainty. Hard times will come. Darkness will find us. We will, at some point in our lives, find ourselves in a pit. It may be a pit we have dug with our own hands through wrong choices and foolish decisions. It may be a customized pit prepared for us by the enemy himself. But a pit is a pit! And all pits are basically the same—dark, lonely, and filled with the ugliness of life.
Pits have a purpose. Every pit has a purpose and comes to us for a reason. Pits have an amazing way of bringing balance to life. Life is like a prescription. The individual ingredients may seem harmful, but when they are blended and balanced, they bring health. Pits are part of the prescription of life.
Pits demand that we change our perspective. They make us stop and scrutinize priorities, eliminating the trivial and focusing on the important. Pits give us new eyes and a heavenly focus.
Pits come to strengthen us. Our struggle to escape the darkness forces us to admit our insufficiency and search for power outside of our own.
You can get out of the pit. If there is one central message of this devotion, it is hope. I made it out of the pit and so can you! The path may seem endless and even cruel at times but remember that you did not slip into that pit overnight and you will not climb out overnight. The journey out of the pit begins and ends with one small step. Walk straight ahead through your fear. And with each step, moment-by-moment, the darkness will slowly begin to lift.
God will use your pit. From the depths of every pit comes a message of hope…a message of power…a message of grace. It is a message for us to share. God does not want us to just endure the pits of life. People without Christ can muster up enough courage—enough human strength—to get through a trial, but God has a better plan. He does not want us to just survive the pain. He wants us to rise above it—to celebrate it and use it!
When you begin to share your journey—when you make the choice to help others find their way to the light—God will unleash His power in your life as never before.
“You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light” (Psalm 18:28 NIV).
Life is sweeter on the other side of the pit. We cannot really know just how bright the light is until we have spent time in the darkness. On the other side of the pit, peace settles around us like an old familiar friend. The intimate and faithful presence of a loving Father becomes the reality we once dreamed of knowing. So, celebrate your pit, knowing God will use it for your good and His glory.
Let’s Pray
Father, I come to You – helpless and alone. The darkness is overwhelming, and no one seems to understand. I am desperate for You. Teach me, Father. I surrender to You and the plan You have for my life. By faith, I thank You for the pit in my life that makes me cry out to You.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
How would you describe one of the pits you have experienced?
What one main lesson did you learn through that pit?
More from the Girlfriends
Life is so daily, isn’t it? It is sometimes easy to lose hope. Need help? Check out Mary’s new devotion books, Life is So Daily (Volumes 1 and 2). It is our prayer that they will encourage and equip you to face each day with God’s power.
Connect with Mary on Facebook or through email at mary@marysoutherland.com.
© 2021 by Mary Southerland. All rights reserved.
Thank you!! I am a witness that, “when you make the choice to help others find their way to the light—God will unleash His power in your life as never before.”
It is so hard to see beyond your own pit. It is dark and dreary with what seems to be no end. BUT GOD!
Mary, you always inspire me. I am in a pit right now and I cant see the light at the top but I know it is there. I will look for Gods hand in the darkness so he can grab on to me and pull me out. Thank you for your message of hope.
May the Lord use your testimony in a mighty way. I have been in places where there did not seem to be light at the end of the road. The burden I carried was so heavy. But God is faithful and true and was there with me each step. Thank you for your message of HOPE and COURAGE. May the Lord continue to bless you.
I’m in a pit and it has taught me to be patient. Through God who is my hope, I can do all things! I praise Him daily and I do my best to bring others to Him. Hallelujah!
Deborah,even though you can’t see the light keep looking up! The “pit” of trials,disappointments,hurt,etc…I believe are openings to allow Gods great grace and mercy come upon us! As a father does all he can to protect his children, God will be with you every step of the way.
Satan thrives when we are suffering, when we are in a pit of despair, feelings of hopelessness! God is greater than he who is in the world. God will protect us through it as we walk by faith not by sight.
I am a living breathing testimony of Gods grace and deliverance from depression and anxiety. I am here to proclaim Our Father will never leave you or forsake you! Even when we feel as though God isn’t present.
I have been journaling for many many years: every thought, every fear, praise for answered prayer, and even questioning if God is present.I find it therapeutic and a release for my anxious thoughts. I have even gone back and read my journal entries, as a reminder of Gods Grace for my life.
This season will pass, the storm will move through and the “Son” will shine. God loves you more than you will ever know. In his precious love take care
Sherri, you are absolutely right! The more we give ourselves away, the more joy we will find! Thanks for the great word.
Deborah, thank you for your note. Yes! Just keep moving toward the light. He will reach down into that pit and lift you out. Read Psalm 40:1-3 and cling to every promise in those words. Blessings!
Terry, that is my prayer as well. That God will use my story to encourage others. Thank you for the encouragement! Blessings!
Stacey, thank you for your note. Patience is not one of my favorite lessons in life … which is why the Father keeps putting me in a position to learn patience. You have the right attitude, friend. Keep praising God and pointing others to Him! Blessings!