Chapter 2 of Richard Foster's book, Prayer, is titled "Prayer of the Forsaken". It begins with a thorough description of the near-universal experience of Christians: when God is silent. He recounts the many names saints have given to this difficulty: "the desert", "the dark night of the soul", "the cloud of unkowing", and "the withering winds of God's hiddenness".
The withering winds description especially resonates. It feels like the longer it goes on, the dryer I feel. I know God is there. I know he hears and cares and is working. But in those times when it seems his guidance, his comfort, even his presence are lacking, knowing isn't very encouraging.
Foster then reminds the reader that this experience is, in fact, "a major highway" which many have travelled before us. It is part of the pilgrim's path, and we should both expect and embrace it. It is easier to say than it is to do.
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