*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliates. Read the full disclosure here.
We all experience darkness. Times in our life when we feel like the light will never come. Whether it is a past trauma that keeps bubbling up through the cracks or a series of situations that leave us breathless.
Every one of us can recall a time (or are currently in its midst) when darkness feels all too present.
This devotional will help guide you to the light.
God in the Dark: 31 Day Devotional to Let the Light Back In
About the Author
Sarah Van Diest is a writer and editor. Sarah wrote this book as letters to a friend whose life was turning upside down. Apparently this is something she has done for years for numerous friends.
The adaptation of the letters into this book form didn’t lose any of the intimacy. Sarah’s heart reads through on every page and has you wishing you knew her personally. And by the end of the book, you feel like you do.
Devotional Layout
God in the Dark is a 31 day devotional working through Psalms 119 as well as a couple other bible verses. The book gives the day’s scripture reading and then Sarah’s intimate letter to encourage the reader. She does so through acknowledging her own dark periods and the lessons she has learned through reading, studying and holding tightly to scripture.
Sarah has a beautiful way of encouraging the reader without being too peppy and cheerful. She is real and genuine. Acknowledging that the darkness is hard and painful. It’s not fun but we also don’t have to do it alone.
The book is a reminder that God is everywhere. Even in the darkness. He is our constant. Both our rock and our comforter. We need not fear what we are going through. And with God, we have the ability to make our way out of the darkness.
[ctt template=”7″ link=”VmEKX” via=”yes” ]The book, God in the Dark, is a reminder that God is everywhere. Even in the darkness. He is our constant. Both our rock and our comforter. We need not fear what we are going through. And with God, we have the ability to make our way out of the darkness. [/ctt]
Final Thoughts
I found this devotional to be so genuine.
As a therapist I’m in the presence of so much pain on a daily basis. I’m often searching for Christian resources to be able to recommend to my clients that will help them stay focused on hope. That’s not an easy task.
Either the books and devotionals are too “everything is awesome” or the author focuses too much on their own specific issues that it becomes difficult to relate.
God in the Dark, first and foremost focuses on scripture and then provides realistic support. Because some days we remain in the dark given our present situation. But Sarah reminds the reader that God is present even there. We are never alone.
I will likely return to the dark vision of myself because I’ve done so before. But I’m not without hope. The time I spend believing the lie grows less each time. The light returns more quickly as my heart remembers the truth. I’m still worthy. No matter what darkness comes, I’m his beloved child.
Sarah Van Diest – God in the Dark
And that is hope I want to pass on. So if you are struggling or have a dear friend who is, I recommend taking this 31 day journey to find light even in your darkness.
Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book by NavPress in alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
For more of my book reviews check out posts in the book review tab.
God bless!
Melissa
p.s. Check out all of the beautiful sites I linkup with!
Thanks for sharing your review of this book, Melissa. I’ve read some articles where Sarah discussed the books premise and content. Sounds awesome when you consider your opening lines. “We all experience darkness. Times in our life when we feel like the light will never come. Whether it is a past trauma that keeps bubbling up through the cracks or a series of situations that leave us breathless.” Thankful for this devotional helping “guide us to the light.” Blessings!
It’s really a very beautiful devotional walking through Psalm 119. I’m glad you enjoyed the review and I hope you enjoy the book even more. God bless!
Wow, what an awesome review! I definitely want to check this devotional out. I have been reading so much in the Psalms how God is our light, so this is timely.
I’m glad you enjoyed the review. The devotional is exceptional and I think could be very powerful for someone in a place of darkness. Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
Sounds like a great book! I can’t figure out how you work fulltime, mother, blog and find the time to do book reviews! Wowza! You go girl! 🙂
Ha! 5:00 AM is my best friend! This really is a great devotional for helping through the dark spots! Thanks for stopping by Julie, God bless!
I love Psalm 119! I just love the Psalms in general. I love your honest review! It looks like it would be extremely beneficial for all. I loved reading that you thought this book was extremely genuine! That’s a good indicator that the read is worth the time! P.S. >>> If you get up at 5 am every morning, you are a super hero, and you have just become my role model!
It really is genuine and provides hope! I’m so glad I was able to review it.
And technically my alarm is set for 5:05 Mon-Fri and 5:20 on Sat and Sun. It’s all about the illusion that I get to “sleep in” on the weekends! 🙂
I remember turning to the Psalms several years ago when I was in a dark place myself. There’s so much to mine from God’s Word there, and it sounds like this is a great devotional doing that work. I love the quote you share: And the hope that even when we fall into those dark pictures of ourselves, there is still light, still hope, and over time, we can grow to spend more time in the light. Thanks for sharing your review!
Psalms does provide so much love, truth and beauty of God and our relationship with Him. Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
This sounds like an amazing book – and one I really need to read right now. I’ll have to add it to my reading list.
Heather I pray you find it as beneficial and encouraging as I did! God bless you journey!
Without the darkness we never appreciate the light, but it is good to know there are wonderful resources to help us out to bring the light back into our soul. What a great review and now that summer is coming a great add to my reading selection!
I appreciated that each day only took about 5-10 minutes to read but allowed me to go in depth in my prayer and reflection time. I pray you find it beneficial! God bless!
I will check this out. I love a good devotional to cheer me throughout my days.
I pray you find it beneficial. Genuine encouragement can be hard to find at times in a devotional. This one really fits the bill. God bless!
This sounds like such a helpful resource. There are so many books out there that are like what you mentioned, “Either the books and devotionals are too “everything is awesome” or the author focuses too much on their own specific issues that it becomes difficult to relate.” Her book sounds like a breath of fresh air bringing hope while still acknowledging the darkness. Blessings to you! I’m your neighbor at #FreshMarketFriday.
I really did enjoy the devotional and I look forward to being able to recommend it to friends and therapy clients in need. Thank you for stopping by Gayl and sharing your thoughts. God bless!
This looks like a valuable resource, one I”ll share with others. Thanks for recommending it.
Thank you Linda! I hope it bless you and others. God bless!
This book looks interesting and like something I might need to read. I have often felt in the dark and wandering in a wilderness. During those times, unless you keep your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus it’s easy to lose your way. I think this definitely looks worth checking out.
It can be so easy to lose our way when we are experiencing darkness if we are not focusing on Jesus and relying upon His strength. If you check out this book I pray you find it beneficial. Thank you for stopping by and God bless!
This sounds like a great devotional. I actually just spoke on a similar topic recently. I’m going to check this devo out!
I really enjoyed it and know I will be recommending it to some of my therapy clients. I hope you enjoy it. God bless, Heather!
Melissa,
Thank you so much for this amazing review! I can’t believe I hadn’t seen it before. You are too kind!!! I have been told that several therapists have found the book to be a good resource. How greatly honored I am to hear that!
May the Lord continue to do his work of healing and restoration through you and your work, Melissa!
Never alone!
Sarah
Sarah,
I’m so glad you got to see the review and found it touching. Your book is a beautiful resource for all struggling in their time of darkness.
Many blessing!
Melissa