“When we’re in the Dark Night . . . our image of God Himself is shaken. We thought we knew exactly who we were dealing with, but during our Dark Night, we realized that we had a tight grip on an artificial idol. . . . We did not surrender to the true God.”- Summer Joy Gross
“For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the dry land; and I will shake all the nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.”- Haggai 2:6-7 (KJV)
Summer Joy Gross concludes Chapter 6 of The Emmanuel Promise as she stresses the need for companionship in the Dark Night. Because that provides the courage we need until the first light of morning reveals the blessing. Otherwise, in frustration, we decide that we erred in our trust in God’s power.
In addition, Summer posits, somewhere along the way we married the American dream with God’s concept of prosperous. But, think of how the apostle Paul defined success. Or how the crucified Jesus measured ‘blessing.’
Consequently, we must allow God to reveal Himself to us, no strings attached. As philosopher Miguel de Unamuno wrote:
“Those who believe they believe in God, but without passion in the heart, without anguish of the mind, without uncertainty, without doubt, and even at times without despair, believe only in the idea of God, and not in God Himself.”
In conclusion, Summer exhorts, keep wrestling. It’s brave to pay attention to your questions. Rather than fear doubt, view doubt as the doorway to a deeper faith. Because God’s big enough to handle and hold all your doubt.
Part of your ultimate healing involves allowing Every doubt to rise up before God. So, even through the hot tears, disappointments, and dismantling, stay in the ring with God.
Today’s question: When have you held a tight grip on an artificial idol? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “”Spiritual object constancy”
