The phrase "Dark Night of the Soul" has become synonymous with the idea of going through a particularly difficult season in life. This phrase derives from a 16th century poem entitled "The Dark Night of the Soul" written by a Roman Catholic mystic named St. John of the Cross. The poem was written in either 1578 or 1579 while St. John was imprisoned for demanding reform within his Catholic order. For John, darkness represented the hardships and suffering a soul experienced in striving to grow to maturity in Christ.
Arguably, the darkest night in human history was the night that Jesus was arrested an tried at the hands of the Roman authorities. Knowing what lay ahead for Him, the Scriptures tell of Jesus' agony as He prayed in the garden...
He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:41-44 NIV
Clearly, this was the darkest night of Jesus' earthly ministry here on earth. Facing the torture of the cross, Jesus experienced the "dark night of the soul" praying there in the garden. In His anguish, an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened Him.
Going through hard times is a common experience for everyone, but for the believer in Jesus, the journey through these dark nights is not a solitary one. Just as the angel ministrered to Jesus in the garden, te Holy Spirit is there to minister to His followers in times of need. Even though you may walk through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23), you can be encouraged because Jesus is walking with you. You are never alone.
Why do you think God allows us to experience hard times?
How does it make you feel that Jesus experienced hard times as well?
Dear God, I know that everyone goes through difficult times, even You. Help me to trust You to walk with me and encourage me in the hard times of my life. In Jesus' Name, amen.
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