The dark night of the soul is defined as a deep psychological and spiritual crisis incorporating a loss or redirection of life's meaning, intense inner longing and emptiness, along with stark loneliness. It is usually accompanied by a major shift in thought or a new stage of personal or spiritual growth, as it acts as a spiritual cleansing to remove pride and press the individual toward mature faith.
While it is a painful and dark experience, the child of God need not fear, for such is the fellowship of His suffering, the purging that removes pride, and the place where crucifixion is better understood.
In Galatians 2:20, Paul gives this summation, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
The idea that one would come to this level of spiritual dedication and understanding by walking a flower-strewn path is never taught in Scripture. Instead, God speaks of pruning, refining by fire, and the putting away of self and the flesh. It is a cutting process that produces deeper love and experiences deeper understanding of God’s love.
Oh, friend, if this is your season, don't waste it. Cry out to God. Ask your questions. Bear your heart to Him and count your suffering as your closest walk with your Saviour - your Gethsemane.
What came out of Jesus' garden prayer? Renewed and energized faith. Determination to obey His Father at all costs. The laying aside of self to humble service for others. A deeper understanding of His holy purpose.
And in you, this season will produce fruit; never doubt it. God will not leave you there forever. It is only a season getting you ready for the praise found in Psalm 89.
P.S. If you are in a dark place and your soul is singing Psalm 88, I invite you to my book, Build That Wall, describing my personal journey and what the dark night of my soul taught me. It is available in eBook and paperback.
https://a.co/d/0hcEfZdA
