#31 – Finding Hope in a Dark Place: Part Two

Guest: Dr. Clarence Shuler

Founder and President: Building Lasting Relationships

Act Like Men – Men’s Leadership Podcast
Sponsored by Men’s Ministry Catalyst
Podcast Show Notes

In the last episode, Dr. Shuler shared his story and presented some very
insightful thoughts on how to walk thru this journey of depression,
loneliness, and anxiety. Whether you are prone to these emotions or are
just in a valley at the moment, Clarence has insight that can help you find
God’s grace during a dark time.

In this episode, he becomes more prescriptive with the things he learned by
God’s grace in the middle of a dark time. He found Isaiah 45:3: I will give
you treasures of darkness and the hidden riches of the secret places, So that
you may know that it is I, the Lord, The God of Israel, who calls
you by name.

At this point, Dr. Shuler goes through a list of things you will want to hear,
that he learned from this verse and his journey. Some of them are:

• God uses these dark times to give us hidden treasures we would have

never received otherwise.

• We don’t have to rush out of the dark times because the darkness is

part of our journey.

•  The Almighty God – calls us by name – He knows where we are and

comes to us in these dark times.

• Ultimately: I don’t have to fake being fine. Hard for a man to admit

this to himself, let alone anyone else.

He also shares some basic steps to keep in mind in this darkness. Some of
them are:

• Admit where you are – you cannot go somewhere until you know

where you are.

• Reach back or reach out to those who can offer help.

• Keep going through your routines: church, family life, working out,

etc.

• Remember, you are not the only one – you are not alone.

Questions to ask yourself:

1. If you are going through a dark spot, have you admitted to yourself that
you are where? Only then will you accept the support you need.

2. Do you know someone who is in a dark spot that needs you to reach out
to help them start the walk forward?

3. Do I believe that God knows my name? Do I believe that it is okay to be
in a dark place for now?

To reach Dr. Clarence Shuler, or buy one of his books:
www.clarenceshuler.com For his latest book: Finding Hope in a Dark
Place, go to Amazon.com and type in Finding Hope in a Dark Place.

Just a reminder these podcasts are leased on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month. For additional podcasts go to: www.mensministrycatalyst.org