Often in very difficult times of struggle someone will say, “It’s the dark night of the soul.” Where does that statement originate?

The 16th century poet, Saint John of the Cross, wrote a poem titled, Dark Night. Since he wrote that poem, individuals have tried to define its meaning. Someone added these words, “of the Soul.”

Lots of individuals have used the Dark Night of the Soul in very different ways, but always in hard times. Here’s my definition.

The dark night of the soul includes the challenges of the old emotional program in your soul. The dark night of the soul is when hard times arise, and you realize you cannot continue to use childhood beliefs, faulty thinking, and immature ways. New deeper insights and skills are needed to process through this major life challenge.

Then I think, shouldn’t there be a dark night of the spirit? That would be used to describe a crisis of faith. My spirit is struggling. I am experiencing a difficult painful season in my life and I can’t make sense of it. And, I can’t find God. I cry out. Please help me God. My spirit is wavering.

My mind continues, shouldn’t there also be a dark night of the heart? That would be when love has failed you. You are rejected. You are not wanted. Someone walks away from you. You are left alone with a broken heart.

In my world there are three dark nights:

• The Dark Night of the SPIRIT (faith)
• The Dark Night of the SOUL (emotions)
• The Dark Night of the HEART (love)

Closing

The Dark Nights appears to include those times when God seems far away, and your spirit is doubting, your soul is in turmoil, and human love has failed you.

Prayer

Father, I need your light. You are the light of the world. When I hit the Dark Nights in my life, may I seek and find you there? I know that dark nights are times of growth and refinement. Bless me and help me through the dark nights. Father, help me be open to your lessons of growth and change, even the dark ones. Amen.

Bible Meditation

Jesus experienced a dark night moment as he hung on the cross.

And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” – Matthew 27:46 (ESV)