Dark Night of the Soul Archives

Is it Depression or a Dark Night of the Soul?

Without a friend who feels our hurt, stress, and longings with us our souls shrivel up and die. Giving and receiving empathy are key to life in Christ.

The Blessing of Emotions

Emotions get a bad rap in many circles today. They’re vulnerable and get broken. They’re messy and don’t look right. We prefer thinking, analysis, and…

When Henri Nouwen Couldn’t Feel God’s Love

The warmth of God’s presence can be elusive. In his secret journal, Henri Nouwen is vulnerable about a dark season in which he couldn’t feel…

Giving Thanks for a Light in the Dark (Psalm 88)

We all have times we don’t feel thankful. Maybe we’re depleted, detached, despairing. Maybe God feels far away. What do you do then? A pastor…

A Retreat With Brennan Manning

If I could have anyone lead me on a spiritual retreat with Jesus it’d be Brennan Manning. I wish I could do that and invite…

In Henri Nouwen's Dark Night he received pastoral counseling and kept a secret journal. Shortly before he died this was published as "The Inner Voice of Love." Here are some quotes and insights for pastors and ministry leaders.

Ouch! She Hit a Nerve!

The nurse hit a nerve in my hand! I screamed in pain and now my hand is withered. Will I view God by my bad circumstances or my circumstances by God's love? I went to the cross of Christ.