I grew up with a loving mom who made her faith in God central to her life. Once when very young, maybe 6 or 7, I remember seeing her curled up in her prayer chair early in the morning with her Bible. I recall once sitting in a chair opposite her, awkwardly wrapping my arms and legs in an attempt to imitate her posture. She prayed a lot, and for that I am grateful.
But I also remember Mom reading works from some of the mystics. And at one point I recall her identifying with a Catholic priest who wrote of “the dark night of the soul.” This often equated to spiritual dryness or a feeling of God being distant. Usually those embracing it see such a dark and lonely season as something God is putting them through (for some unknown redemptive purpose). Many Christians have probably felt similarly discouraged or alone at some point, but I’m convinced this is neither a necessary nor desirable state, and certainly not God-ordained.
While Jesus wrestled intensely one night in the Garden of Gethsemane contemplating His crucifixion, He was not one to sit around agonizing or navel gazing. He was about His Father’s business. Scripture tells us, He was anointed with the oil of joy above His fellows. He was a happy guy! (Hebrews 1:9). He had plenty of things to discourage Him, not the least of which was a team of disciples He poured Himself into who still seemed clueless after three years. But knowing what was to come and maintaining an eternal perspective, He held the course, seeing His assignment through to completion. I think His times away from the crowds, just spending time alone with His Father, kept Him focused, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit brought comfort and encouragement.
In stark contrast to the idea of a “dark night of the soul,” the Bible tells us God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. James 4:8 offers an alternative to feeling alone and abandoned: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. We can feel alone and distant as long as we choose to.
But as Paul pointed out when addressing people in Athens, God is not far from any of us. Did you know Revelation 3:20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock…” was written to believers? God is waiting on us to come to Him. Psalm 32:9 tells us, Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you. Both Father and Son have promised to never leave us or forsake us, to be with us always. And Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would abide with us forever. If we are never alone, then why act lonely? The most important, rich, fulfilling relationship we could ever have is available right now, right where we are, waiting for us to engage. (Read Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 16:8 and 11, Psalm 37:3-4.)
