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God in the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back in
Life's painful trials can bring shame about our inadequate and broken faith. There is relief in hearing the expressions of desperation in the psalmist's voice. He didn't experience this life perfected, and we don't either. But the psalmist was loved. So are we.
God was so kind to give us the Psalms.
To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father's faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ.
These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.
God was so kind to give us the Psalms.
To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father's faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ.
These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.
160 pages, ebook
Published April 3, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
April 30, 2018
In her little gem of a book, God In The Dark: 31 Devotions To Let The Light Back In , Sarah Van Diest has written 31 heartfelt, true-to-life devotions that shine the light of God’s Word in Psalm 119 and other key Scriptures to those most in need of manna. Sarah writes to those in need of a lifeline as though she were having a heart-to-heart conversation with a dear friend.
Her words inspire us, encourage us, challenge us to move forward, out of darkness, into the light.
God In The Dark is one of those books that you’re tempted to buy in bulk so that you can share with everyone who needs to hear its message.
This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book. You can read my review in its entirety at Create With Joy.
Her words inspire us, encourage us, challenge us to move forward, out of darkness, into the light.
God In The Dark is one of those books that you’re tempted to buy in bulk so that you can share with everyone who needs to hear its message.
This excerpt is part of an original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own, based on my assessment of this book. You can read my review in its entirety at Create With Joy.
April 3, 2018
Here's proof we're not alone on this journey, friends. While going through illness, trials and storms, circumstances can lead us to believe God has left us alone in the dark. It is a lie! We can say it's tough to push through those lonely times, but this is an understatement. This precious book beautifully illustrates God’s fathfullness and fullness. We're never alone, not even in the dark. I hope you let this sweet devotional shine light into your darkness now and forever. God is faithful. <3
April 21, 2018
"God in the Dark" is a a 31-day devotional based primarily on the 22 sections of Psalm 119. Each day's entry contained the verses to read then 2-4 pages of encouragement from the author, loosely based on the verses. The overall theme of the devotional was the dark times in our life when we struggle with pain or doubt and ways to let the light of God back in. In the Psalms, we can see this turning of our focus from our problems to our God and His faithfulness. The devotions were quick to read and were overall encouraging toward those who are struggling.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
May 8, 2018
About the Book:
Life's painful trials can bring shame about our inadequate and broken faith. There is relief in hearing the expressions of desperation in the psalmist's voice. He didn't experience this life perfected, and we don't either. But the psalmist was loved. So are we.
God was so kind to give us the Psalms.
To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father's faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ.
These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.
My Review:
Each day that I wake up, I still find that I need God more and more. The older that I get I feel like He is my best friend and confidant. I can trust and rely on no one but Him. When I was younger God was always an after thought but nowadays He is my main thought.
The author of God in the Dark is seems especially keen to this way of thinking, as well. She sees God in all she does not just something to do. She gets down to the heart of things. Many of the thoughts and focusing she did this this tiny book shoot straight through and can get to you in a heartbeat. She is definitely a wordsmith.
This small devotional contains 31 days worth of devotions and tried and true thoughts and feelings to show you God and its just the right size for gift giving.
An amazing read!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Life's painful trials can bring shame about our inadequate and broken faith. There is relief in hearing the expressions of desperation in the psalmist's voice. He didn't experience this life perfected, and we don't either. But the psalmist was loved. So are we.
God was so kind to give us the Psalms.
To walk through darkened days is part of the human experience. To walk through them with faith, comfort, strength, joy, and hope is part of the divine experience. Our eyes, though, are often clouded to those blessings by the thing oppressing us. When we remember and recognize our Father's faithfulness, when we see reality with the eyes of understanding, the darkness ebbs and the light of hope grows. The impossible, unbearable, and unthinkable becomes the hidden passageway to truth, hope, and joy in Christ.
These letters were originally written as encouragement to a friend when the darkness began to overtake his path. Each day for 22 days, a letter arrived with one of the eight-verse sections from Psalm 119 along with a small thought to bring light and hope and to be a reminder that we do not fight our battles alone. The letters, along with nine more devotions on the subject of experiencing God in the dark, make up this powerful, honest, hope-filled 31-day devotional.
My Review:
Each day that I wake up, I still find that I need God more and more. The older that I get I feel like He is my best friend and confidant. I can trust and rely on no one but Him. When I was younger God was always an after thought but nowadays He is my main thought.
The author of God in the Dark is seems especially keen to this way of thinking, as well. She sees God in all she does not just something to do. She gets down to the heart of things. Many of the thoughts and focusing she did this this tiny book shoot straight through and can get to you in a heartbeat. She is definitely a wordsmith.
This small devotional contains 31 days worth of devotions and tried and true thoughts and feelings to show you God and its just the right size for gift giving.
An amazing read!
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2018
Have you ever read a book and you could only think of is the people that you needed to pick up a copy of it? That is exactly how I felt as I began my journey with author Sarah Van Diest in her book God in the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In published by NavPress. The words of this book were first written to a friend who was in great pain. Knowing that there was nothing that she could do to make the pain go away, she resorted to praying and writing him letters. Each day she would send her friend a small note with her thoughts on a section of Psalm 119. Those small notes and a few more added just for the book are what you have in this devotional read. This devotional is very personal and each day’s read is short and concise. This book of 160 pages is so full of truth, encouragement, Scripture, God, hope, and faith. If I sound as if I’m gushing about it, then you would be correct.
I could just about tweet this whole book out, if that was possible. Of course I commend this book to you or somebody that you might know that is in a dark place right now. It is a wonderful reminder that God is always present in our darkness. The same comfort that the author sought to bring to her friend who was hurting, can be brought to you.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
I could just about tweet this whole book out, if that was possible. Of course I commend this book to you or somebody that you might know that is in a dark place right now. It is a wonderful reminder that God is always present in our darkness. The same comfort that the author sought to bring to her friend who was hurting, can be brought to you.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
April 3, 2018
A Companion of Hope
God In the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In, by Sarah Van Diest, is a welcome companion when the light of joy and hope barely flickers. For anyone who feels alone, is struggling in overwhelming circumstances, or drowning in the deep waters of pain, isolation, and suffering. This encouraging devotional gives hope and comfort to readers. Sarah Van Diest's gentle words of truth and understanding offer healing and strength to the worn, parched, empty soul. She writes with intention, thoughtfulness, and purpose, pointing readers to the light of God's never-ending love and presence.
I very highly recommend God In the Dark. It's a book that is a healing balm for the soul, and a wonderful book to share with those in need of comfort and hope.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of God In the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In from the publisher. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*
God In the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In, by Sarah Van Diest, is a welcome companion when the light of joy and hope barely flickers. For anyone who feels alone, is struggling in overwhelming circumstances, or drowning in the deep waters of pain, isolation, and suffering. This encouraging devotional gives hope and comfort to readers. Sarah Van Diest's gentle words of truth and understanding offer healing and strength to the worn, parched, empty soul. She writes with intention, thoughtfulness, and purpose, pointing readers to the light of God's never-ending love and presence.
I very highly recommend God In the Dark. It's a book that is a healing balm for the soul, and a wonderful book to share with those in need of comfort and hope.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of God In the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In from the publisher. The opinion stated is my own. I have not been compensated in any way.*
November 20, 2018
I have to say my favorite thing about this 31 day devotional is that it's not whinny, sing songy or over the top, Sarah has a beautiful way in her writing that is encouraging to readers, very real and genuine. I appreciate that she acknowledges the darkness, trials and pain. It’s no fun to go through, but she reminds us that we also don’t have to go through it alone. She shares about her own dark time and the lessons learned by holding on to God and diving into prayer and scripture. We are reminded that with Gold all things are possible, even getting through the darkest moments in our lives. And in those darkest hours God is right there with us, we are never alone or forgotten.
December 18, 2018
In the pages of this little book, Sarah Van Diest unpacks truth from Scripture that point our souls to turning to God in our darkest times. With a simplicity that is profound, Sarah comes along side, a light of encouragement and truth in the darkness of our confusion, hurts, sorrows, and hopeless moments. In each devotion, Sarah shares truths and insights that have shown her God's light in dark times with authenticity and empathy. This book has quickly become my go-to gift of encouragement for friends experiencing difficult times.
November 29, 2025
This is my second time reading this devotional as it’s laid out in a 31 day plan. The first time was in 2017. I found it as uplifting as the first time. It’s a book I want to keep around when the darkness of life creeps in, and I know it will. But God is still there. God is still with us. God doesn’t see us with the cruel lenses that we see ourselves or our situation through. Sarah writes it using a letter style, as if to a dear friend. So if you know someone struggling, this is a wonderful accompaniment to their current Bible reading… helping them to embrace the dark, but see beyond it.
April 3, 2018
"God in the Dark" by Sarah Van Diest has truly blessed me. I know we are never alone, God is always there with us, but we go through times that can make us feel He is far away. Sarah's words and encouragement brought me to a place where I could see His light again, feel His presence, and take refuge in my Savior. This book is a great companion during dark times, full of support and always directing to God and His saving light.
April 3, 2018
Light. Hope. Restoration. All themes woven throughout God in the Dark. In this book, the focus is Christ and His redeeming work in our lives---even in the most difficult of seasons. The author's words build on the foundation of God's word and provide hope and insight for the struggling soul. Highly recommend.
March 12, 2025
Great devotional for those dark and troubling times of life. Touching, uplifting, hopeful, but in a "I know this all stinks" rather than a fake "be happy anyway" sort of way. I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend.
April 2, 2018
A great devotional.
March 29, 2020
Though triggering some memories of darker days, this book reminded me of coming up through the valley
April 26, 2018
"It's hard to be a Christian," was a stranger's comment when he asked me about God in the Dark. We were in the sun on a hot day waiting for the celebration to begin, a graduation ceremony.
The crowd, the heat, the noise disappeared as we explored Sarah Van Diest's 31 devotions focused on recognizing God in the dark places of pain and suffering. We looked up Scripture on our phones; we found where he could purchase a copy, and we bonded with Van Diest.
God orchestrated a divine appointment, and He used God in the Dark. as the tool to start the conversation.
God in the Dark. goes deep into those places where some Christians are reluctant to admit that they are walking through--those shadows of doubt, the caves of despair, and the pits of pain. It asks, "Why?"
"Does God see me?"
"Can I see God in what I'm going through?"
Van Diest gently walks her friend who was experiencing some dark days through the 22 stanzas of Psalm 119. She added nine Scriptures and devotions to give you and me 31 days to "Let the Light Back In."
What a gift she has given to her readers!
Five of my favorite quotes:
I will purchase several copies of this book to give to friends who are experiencing darkness.
NavPress has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
The crowd, the heat, the noise disappeared as we explored Sarah Van Diest's 31 devotions focused on recognizing God in the dark places of pain and suffering. We looked up Scripture on our phones; we found where he could purchase a copy, and we bonded with Van Diest.
God orchestrated a divine appointment, and He used God in the Dark. as the tool to start the conversation.
God in the Dark. goes deep into those places where some Christians are reluctant to admit that they are walking through--those shadows of doubt, the caves of despair, and the pits of pain. It asks, "Why?"
"Does God see me?"
"Can I see God in what I'm going through?"
Van Diest gently walks her friend who was experiencing some dark days through the 22 stanzas of Psalm 119. She added nine Scriptures and devotions to give you and me 31 days to "Let the Light Back In."
What a gift she has given to her readers!
Five of my favorite quotes:
1. "When we choose to grasp our Savior's hand in the midst of the darkness, his light steps in. And the darkness must flee when the light invades." (p. xviii)
2. "My friend, you are never too far gone for love to rescue, too expired for love to breathe into, too lost for love to find." (p. 43)
3. "To walk in this life of pains and afflictions with faith, hope, and love is a beautiful, graceful way to step along the way.
And then the walk becomes a dance." (p. 59)
4. "We can learn to see God in the dark in many ways; to remember and remind; to be faithful with the seeds of hope he has given us and plant them in the soil of our souls; to bury those treasures in the deepest wells of our hearts, where they will be kept safe from the wailing winds. We can cherish the glimpse." (p. 102)
5. "It is darkness, after all, that holds the stars." (p. 120)
I will purchase several copies of this book to give to friends who are experiencing darkness.
NavPress has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
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April 12, 2018This devotional touched my heart. Guiding an adult child through the darkness of depression is a scary and oftentimes lonely place to be. God in the Dark, 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In did just that for me. Filled with encouragement and Biblical truth, the constant reminder that we are never alone even in the darkest of times ministered to my soul.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews