Dark Night - Desolation

Last week we talked about the concept of consolation which gives us a taste of God’s presence even before our character development begins directing our hearts toward Him. In the experience of consolation, we begin to give ourselves over to spiritual disciplines – the Word, fellowship, prayer, service, and more as God reinforces these behaviors with His great love.  

Desolation, the dark nights of the soul, marks the point in our lives when God feels we are ready to face truths about ourselves. He withdraws consolation, leaving desolation and revealing what is truly in our hearts – the innermost parts which we have not yet yielded to God – idols and areas in which we want to retain control and be god ourselves. 

The Israelites experienced desolation in the wilderness in Deuteronomy 8:2-3, where Moses says, “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” God pushed their limits, tested them, and disciplined them so they would learn and grow in their relationship with Him. He answered prayers and provided for them so they would understand the need to obey and follow Him and when they did they hungered for more of Him and experienced His outrageous love. 

God never withdrew from them, rather He always drew near to them. The same is true for us today. In our desolation, God draws near, exposing our vices, causing us to question God but more importantly showing us areas in which we need Him more. When we are in our dark night/desolation, we have to keep talking to God, telling Him how we feel and relying on God to show us how to remain faithful so He can meet us where we are and experience His amazing love.