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?