I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel; My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.  I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will rest in hope. Psalm 16:7-8

The “night seasons” have proven to be my most fruitful seasons. They have also been the most painful. The original meaning of the word means “affliction.” In these night seasons comes some supernatural ability to hear a bit clearer. Perhaps it’s because we tend to lean in more tucking ourselves under the wings of Jesus.

I recall a season where I walked in my secret garden at least three times a day. Not for exercise but for sanity, for hope, and for more of Jesus. I needed Him just to take my next breath. I wasn’t sure I would make it out of some of those night seasons. Ever been there?

However, it was the “setting the Lord always before me” that brought peace and strength. I knew there was no way I could do it alone.

There is nothing like being counseled by the Lord. Be sure I am a big believer that just about everyone could use a good, Christ-centered counselor on speed dial. But, you had best keep Jesus there also. The Holy Spirit as my counselor saved my life and my mind.

Often in those night seasons, He began to speak to me in new ways. For example, through poetic messages and also dreams. I have received very specific instructions from the Lord through dreams. I have learned to write them down when I rise in the morning. He always desires to communicate with us. In night seasons, we tend to be more open to hearing Him. The crisis seems to drive us right into His arms. Arms we might otherwise neglect, overlook, avoid, or never think about.

Every night season I’ve encountered launched me into something new with Him. Something deeper and something more.

I can’t tell you what your NEW might be but I can tell you that if you are in a night season, He longs to give you counsel. When we keep Him within our grasp, ever before us, we shall not be moved.

My prayer for you is that you will hear Him freshly in your night season. So that when you come out of that wilderness others will know that you have been with Jesus.