Episode Summary:
What happens when God feels distant—so silent that even prayer becomes unbearable? In this powerful first episode of The Distracted Christian Podcast, Nate Labadorf invites listeners into a raw, vulnerable, and transformative journey through what Christian mystic St. John of the Cross called the Dark Night of the Soul.
This isn’t a theology of neat answers. It’s a theology for those caught in the chaos—those grappling with depression, doubt, disappointment, and the disorienting silence of God.
From haunting personal visions to centuries-old spiritual insights, Nate explores how spiritual darkness can actually be divine preparation. Drawing from both ancient mysticism and evangelical conviction, he offers a bridge between the depths of suffering and the hope of transformation.
Whether you’re battling spiritual dryness, feeling stuck in life, or simply desperate to reconnect with God, this episode offers clarity, comfort, and challenge.
What You’ll Experience:
1. A Personal Encounter with the Dark Night
Hear Nate’s honest account of mental anguish, self-loathing, and the surprising places where grace showed up in the silence.
2. The Meaning Behind the Mystery
Discover how St. John of the Cross redefined suffering—not as abandonment, but as divine presence disguised as absence. Learn what makes the Dark Night a sacred path, not a spiritual dead end.
3. A Faith Both Mystical and Grounded
Wrestle with the tension between mystical experience and evangelical theology. What role does Scripture play in our darkest seasons? How do we test spiritual silence without losing trust in God’s Word?
4. Real-Life Applications
Explore how personal trials—financial pressure, infertility, unanswered prayer—can become the soil for profound growth. Engage in guided journaling prompts designed to bring spiritual clarity and emotional healing.
5. A Word of Hope for the Journey Ahead
Walk away with renewed trust in a God who is working in the shadows—even when we can’t see or feel Him.
Why This Episode Matters:
We live in an age of noise, distraction, and spiritual disconnection. Many Christians are silently suffocating under the weight of expectations and inner unrest. This episode speaks directly to the wounded heart—the believer who wants to trust but feels abandoned.
If that’s you, this isn’t just a podcast—it’s a companion on the journey.
You’re not alone. And the silence? It may be the beginning of something sacred.
Share This Episode:
For Those Asking Questions in the Dark
Have you or someone you love ever asked, “Where is God in this?” Share this episode with someone who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or spiritually lost.
➡ Listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
➡ Explore the journey at freshgroundtheology.com
➡ Contact us at freshgroundtheology@gmail.com
Connect with Us:
Want to go deeper? We’d love to hear your story.
Send us your reflections or questions: freshgroundtheology@gmail.com
Follow us and share your journey. Let’s build a community that chooses contemplation over chaos, even in the distractions.
Next Week on the Podcast:
Shadows and Light, Part 2: The Refining Fire
What does it mean to be refined in the crucible of suffering? Join us next week as we continue our walk through the Dark Night—this time focusing on how God uses pain to purify, prepare, and awaken us to a deeper joy.
Fresh Ground Theology 
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