We’ve all been there at some point. Moments in life when everything feels heavy, when the weight of uncertainty, pain, or confusion presses down on us. Times when the world seems to fade into a shadowy blur, and hope feels distant, as if it’s just out of reach. It’s in these moments that we might be experiencing what St. John of the Cross described as the Dark Night of the Soul—a spiritual and emotional struggle that can feel like the longest night of your life.

But what if this darkness is not a place to escape from, but a pathway to deeper intimacy with God?

The Dark Night: A Time of Spiritual Purification

St. John of the Cross, a 16th-century Spanish mystic and Carmelite monk, wrote extensively about the spiritual process of transformation, especially in his famous work The Dark Night of the Soul. For John, this “dark night” wasn’t simply about hardship or suffering; it was a divine journey—a necessary period of purification that would bring one closer to God.

His own life was marked by suffering, as he endured imprisonment, physical torment, and deep personal isolation. Yet in the depths of this darkness, he found God. He learned that the dark night is not a punishment but a means by which God refines the soul, helping it shed attachments to earthly things and make way for a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

Signs You’re in the Dark Night of the Soul

St. John described three primary signs that someone is walking through the dark night. While these signs may feel overwhelming, they are actually markers of spiritual growth. If you’re experiencing any of these, it may be an indication that you are in a purgative stage that could lead to deeper peace and understanding.

1. No Consolation:
   In the dark night, you may feel a profound lack of spiritual comfort. No longer do you find satisfaction in prayer, scripture, or the things of God. It’s as if the presence of God has been withdrawn, and you can’t feel His warmth. Even earthly things that once brought joy—relationships, hobbies, or work—fail to fill the void. You’re left feeling empty, even though you desperately long for peace.

2. Lack of Faith:
   Another sign is a sudden shift in your inner life, where doubts and anxieties about your faith become more prominent. The soul may feel as if it is no longer progressing spiritually, or worse, that it is regressing. You may experience a deep inner struggle, thinking, "Am I even serving God? Am I losing my way?" These doubts can feel suffocating, but they are often part of the process of purging the soul of superficial attachments to religion and bringing it closer to true, unwavering faith.

3. Inability to Meditate or Pray:
   Meditation, prayer, and reflection may become nearly impossible. The mind feels clouded, distracted, or completely barren. What once came easily—quiet moments with God, contemplation of His Word, or the peace of His presence—now seems distant. No matter how hard you try, you can't seem to "feel" anything spiritual, and your attempts at meditation or prayer seem hollow.

These signs are not to be feared. They’re part of the deeper spiritual journey that, though painful, ultimately leads to greater spiritual maturity and closeness to God.

The Struggle for Light

In the dark night, it can feel as though we are groping in total darkness, searching for anything to give us direction. We may attempt to find hope in all sorts of places, desperately trying to cling to something that will offer clarity or relief. But often, the harder we search, the more we stir up the “mud” of our emotions, fears, and doubts. In this frantic state, we become further distanced from the peace we crave.

So what’s the solution?

The first step in finding your way through the dark night is surprisingly simple: Stop.

This may sound counterintuitive. After all, when you're in pain or confusion, it's natural to want to do something—to solve the problem, fix the situation, or find a way out. But St. John teaches us that frantic searching will not lead to clarity; it only stirs up more chaos. Just like trying to look through murky water, the more we stir it up, the harder it is to see.

Instead, we need to take a deep breath, allow ourselves to stop, and let the panic subside. It’s only in this stillness that we can hear God. The light we seek isn’t found by running around in circles; it’s created by listening to His voice.

Light Is Created, Not Found

When we talk about finding light in the darkness, we often think of it as something we find—a light at the end of the tunnel. But in reality, the light we need is created by God’s voice. Think about the beginning of creation, when God spoke light into being. His words brought light where there was only darkness.

In our own dark nights, God’s Word still creates light. We can’t always rush to find it, but we can trust that He will speak into our situation in His perfect time. The key is to stop searching in our own strength and instead listen for His guidance.

Psalm 119:105 reminds us:
"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path."

When we feel lost or overwhelmed, we must stop, listen, and allow God to speak into the silence. His Word holds the power to restore, to illuminate, and to lead us through the darkness.

Trusting the Process

In the midst of suffering, it’s tempting to give up, to seek out quick fixes, or to try to bypass the pain. But as St. John of the Cross teaches, the dark night is a transformative process. It’s where God prunes us, refines us, and draws us closer to His heart. The darkness may not immediately go away, but if we stop, listen, and hold fast to God’s promises, the dawn will come—His light will rise in us, and we will be transformed.

Remember the words of Thomas Fuller:
"It’s always darkest before the dawn."

The darkness doesn’t last forever. As we wait on God, He will give us strength to stand firm, and in time, His light will begin to break through. But we must trust the process. As difficult as it is, the dark night of the soul can ultimately lead to a new and deeper intimacy with God, one that is not based on fleeting feelings but on a steady, unshakeable trust in His Word and His promises.

Conclusion

If you find yourself in the dark night today—whether in your faith, your emotions, or your circumstances—take heart. Stop, listen, and lean into the Holy Spirit. God is present even in the silence, and His Word is a lamp that will guide you through the darkness.

Hold onto His promise: the night will end, and the light will rise. Just as a new dawn follows the darkest hour, God’s light will shine in your heart, bringing peace, clarity, and hope for the journey ahead.

Remember: You’re not alone in this. God is with you, even in the darkness.