The Dark Night – The Dawn of True Faith
We’ve all been there. You start a new habit—maybe a workout routine or a new hobby—and at first, it’s exciting! You feel the "buzz." Prayer can be the same way. When you first start leaning into your faith, it often feels great. You feel peaceful, you "get something" out of it, and God feels close.
But then, the "honeymoon phase" ends. Suddenly, prayer feels like staring at a blank wall. You feel nothing. You might think, “Did I do something wrong? Is God mad at me?”
St. John of the Cross calls this the "Dark Night," but I like to think of it as God going "radio silent" on purpose. Why? Because if we only pray when it feels good, we aren't really loving God—we’re just loving the good feelings. By pulling back the "spiritual candy," God is inviting us to grow up. He’s moving us from a "transactional" relationship (I pray, You make me feel good) to a real, deep commitment. If you’re in a dry spell, don’t panic. It’s actually a sign that you’re moving deeper.
Questions for the Day
When things get "dry" in my faith, is my first instinct to quit or to lean in?
Do I love God, or do I just love the feeling of being spiritual?
Can I sit in the "silence" for five minutes today without asking for anything?
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2026@Go Deeper Ministries
