It struck without warning
this dark night of my soul.
So sudden the attack...
spiritual,
emotional,
physical.

Devastating pain and utter despair
coming in waves,
faster and faster,
seemingly without end.


I couldn't fight it off...
not in the flesh,
this strong black force that engulfed me.
But, I'd learned through other dark nights
I could fight it in the Spirit.

Reaching deep
into a heart that barely lived,
I found my faith...
faith that no fiery dart could quench.
Weakly at first,
I uttered words of Purpose
and Promise

I broke through...
through the hurt, the horror,
the gut renching sobs,
The enemy's voice that said
'See---it's not going away'

I spoke louder,stronger
soothing, building---
feeding God's Word into my soul
so my faith had solid ground
to stand on.

And it happened...
slowly at first,
then picking up speed,
The dark night of my soul departed,
swept away by faith and love
and swallowed up
by morning.