The revelation of his care in the midst of my inability to walk in the way of holiness completely undid me.  As I was in this gathering, teaching these students, the revelation of that care hit me.

Dark nights of spiritual struggle are not normal seasons of the spiritual life. There will be seasons of great joy, increasing fruit, successful initiatives, incredible intimacy, watching others frolic and play with God, sweetness before the Lord, and many other incredible moments to celebrate in the grand scheme of life in God.

...the dark night begins to effectively erode pride from your life, and you become more fully aware of your brokenness then you have ever been.

The ongoing cycle of spiritual growth will include periods of dryness, emptiness, and perceived distance from God. They are all designed for your benefit.