Flashlight in the Dark Night

Jan 16, 2013 -

Christians, dark night of the soul, depression, discernment, Ignatian, Spiritual growth, Spirituality, Walking with God

I’ve mentioned recently about going though a season of obscurity historically (and in Spiritual Formation circles) called “a dark night of the soul”.

It can be a disturbing time, or it can have a purgative nature. Refinement. For me, (this is me being all vulnerable), it just seems like old answers are unsatisfying and resolution is unavailable in certain areas where it had been clearer before. In a way there’s some refreshment in knowing that some certainties are gone and a narrowing in my life is underway. It means simpler and more crucial things are left. But there’s a twist…

I’m surprised to have “consolations” during this time…

It’s a lot like having a flashlight on a dark path. I don’t feel alone or separated from God, as is often characteristic of a dark night season. This time I have just enough light to take a few steps, but all else is in the dim background. What could be ahead? It’s too hard to tell.

I wonder when dawn will come, but I know it will.

Have you ever had a season where it seems like all you have is a little flashlight in the big dark night?
How long did it last and what helped you?

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http://lmbartelt.wordpress.com/ Lisa Bartelt

Oh, man. This is so where I’m at right now, too. I like the illustration of a flashlight, just enough to see the next few steps on the path. I’m a daytime/sunshine kind of girl, so not being able to see the whole picture is super frustrating. I tend to freak out in the dark and wonder about what’s in the woods, and the same is true in the dark night of the soul. I’m looking at the path, I’m following God’s lead, but what was that sound I heard? Was it a bear? A coyote? A raging madman with a rifle? (Too much suspense reading and an overactive imagination.) I imagine that even though God knows the way, there are a bunch of unseen terrors in the woods ready to attack. And I end up swinging the flashlight all over the place and tripping over tree limbs I would have seen if I’d kept the light on the path. So, I’m still there. I don’t know how long it lasts. But I cling to the coming dawn, as well.
http://twitter.com/LisaColonDelay Lisa Colón DeLay

It seems we are alone. Indeed we can’t be.

Great visuals there, girl! I actually ducked my head as I read “swinging the flashlight”…HAHAHahaha! (I guess I have an active imagination also.)
http://www.danerickson.net/ Dan Erickson

I have had several dark seasons. Oh how they scared me at the time, but now I can write and share about hope and glory. I also have what I call “stagnant” times where I just don’t seem to move forward in my Faith. But it’s like practice, it may feel that way, but things are happening.
http://twitter.com/LisaColonDelay Lisa Colón DeLay

Dan,

You are SO right: Things ARE happening.
Ignatius said “God is always at work.”

I appreciate that you shared that. Especially the scary part. It’s just a weird time, and I think lots of people won’t bring it up. Good to know that the dawn came!