“God’s presence is not the same thing as feeling God’s presence and He may be doing most for us when we think He is doing least.”- C. S. Lewis, Letter to Mary Margaret McCaslin
“How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? . . . Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death.”- Psalm 13:1-3 (NIV)
In Chapter 6 (“Dark Night of the Soul”) of The Emmanuel Promise, Summer Joy Gross rightly observes that sometimes the spiritual life feels more like wrestling than an invitation to embrace God. Just ask the patriarch Jacob, who experienced both ends of the spectrum.
As a result, while Jacob’s experiences seem like a contradiction, they present a clear picture of the uncomfortable dissonance we feel in our spiritual journey. However, it’s possible for this dissonance to lead us straight into the arms of God. Even though we wrestle.
Therefore, Summer exhorts:
“Dear One, what if God is inviting you to bring Him your fiercest battle? He desires you to place the full power of your inner storm in His waiting arms. He prefers your authentic engagement to your limp assent. . . .
Because, Dear One, this invitation to wrestle is actually an invitation to intimacy. This may feel impossible to believe since these seasons of internal wrestling are often accompanied by a sense that God’s nearness is being withheld. . . . Although we may not sense God’s presence, that doesn’t change the truth that He is here.”
In conclusion, this season of spiritual depression, called the Dark Night of the Soul, often gives rise to feelings of doubt, confusion, disappointment, grief, discouragement, or even despair. Yet, Summer stresses this truth. God draws us against His warm breast. Even though we feel abandoned, disoriented, and living in the pitch black. But God uses our spiritual vertigo to make us stronger, healthier, and more tender.
Today’s question: How is God doing most for us when we think He is doing least? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Artificial idol – tight grip”
