What Is a Dark Night of the Soul?
The Dark Night of the Soul is a spiritual term describing a deep, intense period of spiritual dryness, doubt, or suffering where a person feels distant from God. It was originally coined by St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet, in his poem and writings titled “Dark Night of the Soul.”
1. What Happens During a Dark Night of the Soul?
✔ Feeling Spiritually Empty – A deep sense of abandonment, where prayer feels dry or meaningless.
✔ Loss of God’s Presence – A feeling that God is distant or silent, even though He is still present.
✔ Testing of Faith – Doubt, confusion, and questioning one’s beliefs or purpose.
✔ Emotional and Mental Struggles – Can include depression, anxiety, or despair.
✔ A Time of Deep Inner Transformation – Often leads to stronger faith and spiritual maturity.
📖 Psalm 22:1 – “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?”
Even King David and Jesus experienced moments of spiritual anguish.
2. Why Does It Happen?
A Dark Night of the Soul is not punishment but a period of deep refinement in a believer’s spiritual life. Some reasons include:
- Spiritual Growth – God allows this to strengthen and mature your faith.
- Purification – Stripping away attachments to worldly things, pride, or self-reliance.
- A Test of Faith – Teaching trust in God even when He feels silent.
- Preparation for a New Calling – Often precedes a major spiritual breakthrough.
📖 Job 23:8-10 – “I go forward, but He is not there… But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold.”
3. How to Get Through It?
a) Keep Praying, Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
- Prayer may feel empty, but God is still listening.
- Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”
b) Stay in the Word
- Even if reading Scripture feels dry, God’s Word still nourishes the soul.
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
c) Trust in God’s Faithfulness
- God has not abandoned you, even if you feel alone.
- Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
d) Seek Community & Wise Counsel
- Talk to trusted spiritual mentors, pastors, or friends for encouragement.
e) Be Patient – God is Doing a Deeper Work
- Just as gold is refined in fire, our faith is purified through trials.
- James 1:3-4 – “The testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
4. The Purpose of the Dark Night
Though painful, the Dark Night of the Soul is a spiritual reset that brings:
✔ A deeper faith – Trusting God beyond emotions.
✔ Greater humility – Letting go of pride and control.
✔ Spiritual transformation – Becoming more like Christ.
Many saints, biblical figures, and great Christian leaders have gone through this experience before receiving greater clarity, peace, and purpose.
Final Thoughts
- The Dark Night is not the end—it’s part of the journey.
- God is still present, even when He seems silent.
- Your faith will emerge stronger on the other side.
📖 Psalm 30:5 – “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.”