Dark Night of the Soul

Key Takeaways

• Ruptures (broken connections) are a part of all relationships in this broken world, including our relationship with God.

• God can use our "dark nights of the soul" to bring about transformation and renewal.

• David's Psalm demonstrates how to recognize rupture and seek repair with God.

• Jesus experienced the ultimate rupture on the cross to repair our relationship with God.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  In the sermon, J mentions "dark nights of the soul." Have you ever experienced a time like this in your faith journey? How did you navigate it?

• Question 2

  David describes his physical and emotional state in vivid detail (verses 2-7). How does this resonate with your own experiences of spiritual distress or disconnection from God?

• Question 3

  How does David's appeal to God's character (his kindness and mercy) inform how we should approach God in times of struggle?

• Question 4

  J emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and creativity in the repair process. How might these elements help us in restoring our relationship with God or others?

• Question 5

  How does Jesus' experience on the cross provide hope for our own moments of rupture or disconnection?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : Crying Out in the Dark Night

READING :

Psalm 6:1-10

DEVOTIONAL :

David's raw honesty in Psalm 6 reminds us that even in our darkest moments, God welcomes our cries. When we feel we're fading away or disintegrating, we can turn to God without fear. He collects our tears and hears our weeping. Today, reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How did you respond? Remember that God invites us to stay present with our pain and bring it to him, rather than numbing or distracting ourselves. Consider journaling a honest prayer to God about any current struggles, trusting that he hears and cares.

Day 2 : The God Who Repairs

READING :

Exodus 34:6-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

DEVOTIONAL :

Our God is a God of repair. Where sin causes ruptures in our relationship with him and others, he offers restoration. Exodus reveals God's character - merciful, gracious, and abounding in steadfast love. Through Christ, God offers ultimate repair, making us new creations. Today, meditate on an area of brokenness in your life. How might God be inviting you into his repair process? Remember, just as broken pottery can be mended artfully to tell a beautiful story, God can use our fractures to display his redemptive work.

Day 3 : Finding Rest in God's Forgiveness

READING :

Matthew 11:28-30, Psalm 32:1-5

DEVOTIONAL :

The weight of guilt and shame can be exhausting, robbing us of peace and rest. Yet Jesus offers an easy yoke and a light burden. David experienced the relief of confessing his sin and receiving God's forgiveness. Today, consider if there's any unconfessed sin weighing you down. Bring it to God, trusting in his desire to forgive and restore. Reflect on how acknowledging your need for God's grace can lead to spiritual renewal and rest for your soul.

Day 4 : God's Presence in Suffering

READING :

Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4

DEVOTIONAL :

The concept of the "dark night of the soul" reminds us that God often does his deepest work in times of trial. While suffering is painful, it can produce endurance, character, and hope. God uses these experiences to refine and shape us. Today, consider a current challenge you're facing. How might God be using this to strengthen your faith or develop your character? Ask God for the strength to "count it all joy" even in difficulties, trusting his transformative work.

Day 5 : From Rupture to Repair

READING :

Lamentations 3:19-26, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

DEVOTIONAL :

Life's ruptures - whether from our own mistakes or circumstances outside our control - can leave us feeling hopeless. Yet God specializes in repair, offering new mercies every morning. He invites us to use our imagination and creativity in the healing process, whether through prayer, art, or music. Today, try an exercise in imaginative prayer: Picture a moment of pain or struggle in your life, then invite Jesus into that scene. How does his presence change things? Remember that while we may feel we're wasting away outwardly, inwardly we're being renewed day by day as we fix our eyes on the unseen eternal realities.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!

All: Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

Psalm 107:1-3

Confession of Sin

Father, we confess that we often take justice into our own hands. We nurse resentment, assume the worst, and seek revenge. We trust our own innocence instead of examining our hearts. We forget that you are the righteous Judge who sees truly and acts justly. Forgive our pride and impatience. Search us, defend us, and purify us. Help us take refuge in you and praise you for your righteous rule.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

Psalm 86:5

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Psalm 7