We’ve all had them. The dark nights of the soul. The pain that swallows us whole. The sense that God has left us.

We demand evidence of God at work. The prophet Habakkuk spoke during a time when evidence of God seemed to have vanished. He pleads; God answers. He cries out; God responds. Eventually, Habakkuk closes his plea-filled book with this assertion:

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, will be joyful in God my Savior. (3:17-18)

Even in the midst of these darkest times that many of us face, we find evidence of God around us. “The heavens declare his glory”; “The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of God.” Scripture is overflowing with the promise of God in the world.

But what of the deepest moments when even the tangible reminders of God’s presence simply can’t carry us?

It is only then that true faith emerges.

I recently lost someone very special to me. The pain was so deep I thought it would swallow me whole. But the words from a friend were salve to my soul. She sent me the words from the hymn “Be Still, My Soul” by Kathrina von Schlegel. Here is just one stanza:

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Evidence of God is perhaps most richly found in faith. It comes as we lean into him, offering up all that pulls us away.

Scripture has been a soothing balm to me over the past weeks. I cannot imagine going through the darkness without it. Evidence of God will come, friends. Draw near. Hold tight. He is making all things new.