Dark Night of the Soul

Good Morning Beloveds!

Have you ever heard of something called the Dark Night of the Soul?  I first heard about it in the sometimes not so hallowed halls of seminary, as professors shook their heads concernedly with students who were working out a form of spiritual “darkness,” better called uncertainty. 

St. John of the Cross first wrote about those feelings in the midst of his own spiritual journey in a poem and subsequent writings back in the 16th century.  It’s not an unusual experience—where one feels a darkness, almost an abandonment, or a time with little sense of light—in the midst of prayer and spiritual disciplines.  But when one is in the midst of the moment, the doubts and confusion are scary, as feelings frequently cloak themselves in what appears to be reality. 

Feelings are just that.  Feelings.  On their own, they have no power, unless we give them power.  Sometimes, of course, the power is good, noble and admirable—when they are rooted in love.  Sometimes, if the feeling is fear-based, unless it’s life or death, those feelings should be explored a bit as to their source.

I have experienced that Dark Night of the Soul.  You may have too.  In the exploration of those scary feelings, St. John of the Cross reminds us that what feels scary is actually a spiritual gift, often leading to a deeper spiritual maturity.  If our faith is built on a feeble foundation, or one that needs shoring up, the dark nights are simply construction phases.  Anyone who’s been through a remodeling job knows the confusion, frustration, and sensation that this “darkness” will never end.  And if you think the feelings are new, check out Psalm 13, or 22, or 44.  Rest assured however, it does come to an end and the sun rises, Beloveds.  Even if we can’t see the spark of light at the moment, darkness can never swallow up the Light.  Just like a rebirth of sorts, the pangs of labor will be met with a sweet and glorious release, with new life, even though the work at the moment is hard, hard, hard.  God promises, and God’s love is steadfast.  Forever.

Grace and joy,
Julie