Christian Dark Night of the Soul

Christian Dark Night of the Soul

By Eric W. King

What is a so called, “dark night of the soul”? It is an ancient Christian phrase that all true Christians experience. An example might be a person riding a “spiritual wave” and feeling close to God and being obedient to our Lord for a long time but….then, something bad happens. We backslide and fall into a terrible sin. This is a “spiritual death” experience, if you will. 

As I write this I am experiencing a “dark night of the soul”. I recently backslid and returned to some bad sin that I thought I conquered. Boy was I way off. So what should I do? I should repent and return to proper fellowship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

The ancient Christian Mystic (St. John of the Cross) wrote a poem (La noche oscura del alma) explaining such times of spiritual desperation. When one feels that his or her sin has disconnected them with union from God it is a terrible feeling. So what should one do in such a circumstance? Repent! Turn back to the Lord. Make it a LEARNING EXPERIENCE. It is a lesson of life that we need to learn from. Remember, God corrects “those whom He loves.” 

Hebrews 12:6;

New International Version
because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son."

New Living Translation
For the LORD disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

English Standard Version
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”

Also, we must not worry about what other people think…they are not our ultimate judge. God knows what is going on when everybody else might “think” they know what is going on. 

It is very important to have fellow brothers & sisters in Christ to help you through. This is why true Christianity is extremely important. Edify each other. To be in a healthy fellowship of believers is good medicine. So do not give up...take each spiritual growth trial as a blessing from above. 

Finally cleanse yourself through prayer and be honest with God and your fellow believers. Whatever happens do not give in or give up…trust in the power of God…not in the “human flesh”.

Eric W. King (Founder of TSW & “Nugget of Truth”)

All rights reserved. Permission has been given to share this article.

Read more articles from TSW regarding your personal Christian Growth.....

*True Christian Theosis

*Christians Through Trials

*True Love

*Jesus loves me

*Do you feel like nobody is listening?

*Trial Song for Christians: "You Say" - By Lauren Daigle

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Can you truly Love God?

Why do you find it hard not only to believe in God, but to actually love Him? The problem isn’t your personality; the real problem is your understanding of God. If you think God is an impersonal force who isn’t concerned about us … or a harsh, angry judge who hates us … or a weak, powerless being who can’t help us—then you won’t have any reason to love Him.

But God isn’t like this! God is our loving heavenly Father who not only created us, but watches over us and provides for our every need. How do we know He loves us? We know it first of all because of the good gifts He gives us—the air we breathe, the food we enjoy, the blessing of human love, the joy of His presence. The Bible says, “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3).

But we know God loves us most of all because of Jesus Christ. He was God in human flesh, who came down from Heaven to sacrifice His life for our salvation. God loves you that much! Open your heart and life to Jesus Christ, and then thank God every day for His great love for you.

By Billy Graham