The Dark Night: A Gift of God
by Daniel Schrock
Many Christians enter a dark night at some point during their lives, a period when they feel abandoned by God and experience a dryness in their spiritual lives. It may feel like a period of obscurity, as if they do not know where they are going or can see a way forward. Few Christians know what the dark night is or understand what God is trying to accomplish in this unique, life-giving experience.
In this book, I try to demystify this common phenomenon which is often confused with depression. I root the dark night experience in Scripture, but also explore how it can express itself in your vocation, marriage and family life, and even in the life of a congregation. In this unique approach, the book connects the dark night with Christian discipleship and God’s mission of creating shalom. The dark night can function a bit like a second conversion. It strengthens faith, deepens friendship with God, and propels believers into countercultural mission. The dark night is ultimately a gift from God.
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Reviewers Say
“One never has to guess what Schrock means as he explores the dark night. He is always clear, and he writes with a fresh, engaging, and even passionate style. Moreover, Schrock wears his wisdom lightly. He has a profound respect for those whom he pastors; warmth for his readers permeates every page of this book.”
—KEITH J. EGAN, Carmelite Institute and St. Mary’s College
“Dan Schrock offers us a rare gift. He shepherds us into this dark terrain and brings light and understanding to this puzzling and oft-times misunderstood experience. He invites us to observe and listen to others walking this path. Schrock also companions us, and helps uncover God’s presence and loving design in it all.”
—WENDY MILLER, Eastern Mennonite Seminary
“Dan Schrock presents us with the radical good news of the Christian spiritual path. Especially helpful are his descriptions of the signs of the dark night, the ways it can show up in our work and relationships, and some vital steps for navigating it. I am grateful for this clear, practical guide to an often misunderstood dimension of the Christian journey.”
—ANDREW DREITCER, Claremont School of Theology
by Daniel Schrock
Many Christians enter a dark night at some point during their lives, a period when they feel abandoned by God and experience a dryness in their spiritual lives. It may feel like a period of obscurity, as if they do not know where they are going or can see a way forward. Few Christians know what the dark night is or understand what God is trying to accomplish in this unique, life-giving experience.
In this book, I try to demystify this common phenomenon which is often confused with depression. I root the dark night experience in Scripture, but also explore how it can express itself in your vocation, marriage and family life, and even in the life of a congregation. In this unique approach, the book connects the dark night with Christian discipleship and God’s mission of creating shalom. The dark night can function a bit like a second conversion. It strengthens faith, deepens friendship with God, and propels believers into countercultural mission. The dark night is ultimately a gift from God.
Order from Amazon
Reviewers Say
“One never has to guess what Schrock means as he explores the dark night. He is always clear, and he writes with a fresh, engaging, and even passionate style. Moreover, Schrock wears his wisdom lightly. He has a profound respect for those whom he pastors; warmth for his readers permeates every page of this book.”
—KEITH J. EGAN, Carmelite Institute and St. Mary’s College
“Dan Schrock offers us a rare gift. He shepherds us into this dark terrain and brings light and understanding to this puzzling and oft-times misunderstood experience. He invites us to observe and listen to others walking this path. Schrock also companions us, and helps uncover God’s presence and loving design in it all.”
—WENDY MILLER, Eastern Mennonite Seminary
“Dan Schrock presents us with the radical good news of the Christian spiritual path. Especially helpful are his descriptions of the signs of the dark night, the ways it can show up in our work and relationships, and some vital steps for navigating it. I am grateful for this clear, practical guide to an often misunderstood dimension of the Christian journey.”
—ANDREW DREITCER, Claremont School of Theology
