Amy Carmichael: What Only Dullness Can Give
Dry times are in a way trusted times
In a season of grey, uneventful days, I've found a little solace in a letter from Amy Carmichael.1 Reflecting on Psalm 65:12, "The pastures of the wilderness overflow; the hills are clothed with gladness," Amy reminds me that even in dry times, God’s blessings are available. Look beyond the mundane. See the sacred. Amy’s insight into the testing of our faith—much like the testing of gold—strikes a chord as I seek to maintain resilience in my own spiritual journey. She draws a parallel to Apelles, a figure from the New Testament described by Paul in Romans 16:10 as "approved in Christ" for his steadfast faith amidst challenges. Ultimately, her letter encourages me to embrace these quiet days not just as trials, but as opportunities to trust.
Dry times are in a way trusted times.
My word this morning was in Psalm 65:12, about the drops of His blessing falling on the pastures of the wilderness. It is a most comforting word.
Life, any life, can be stifled by the pettiness of the daily round. But yours won't be.
One quick look up in the dullest moment and you are with Him whom your heart loves, your Life, your All.
All sorts of days come and go—they go, that's the best of them.
Don't let the dull days pass without giving you what only dullness ever can give. It isn't the days of high tension that try us most, and so give us most; it's the days that seem all grey and dull. They test the quality of the gold.
They prove it.
"Salute Apelles, the approved in Christ."
"God knows, not we, the tests he stood" is Moule's2 note on Romans 16:10.
I shall think of you as Apelles.3
Amy Carmichael was a Christian missionary and medical missionary who served in India for 55 years. She was born in Ireland in 1867 and devoted her life to missionary work in India, establishing a network of homes for rescued children. She was also an author and wrote many books on her work and Christian life. Her best-known quote is "You cannot give what you haven't got". This reflects her deep belief that if we wish to help others, we must first fill our own lives with faith and compassion.
Handley C. G. Moule, an Anglican bishop and theologian from the early 20th century. He is known for his devotional commentaries and theological works.
Carmichael, Amy. Candles in the Dark: Letters of Amy Carmichael. United States: CLC Publications, 2012.
Amy Carmichael has been my friend for almost 50 years. There's really no one quite like her in the way she speaks to my heart. Thank you for this.