Night

God made the night with this period of darkness distinct from the light of day and so distinguishes the regular passing of a set time span (Gen 1:5, 7:12).

Typically, there is increased danger and insecurity with more antisocial activities with an escalation in violence occurring during the cover of darkness and when nightlife becomes more adult orientated. The Bible says, “People love darkness rather than light because their actions are evil (Jn 3:19). Paul wrote centuries ago, “Those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled…” (1 Thes 5:7). As believers our lifestyle should not be symbolised as of ‘the night’ but reflect the qualities of ‘the day’.

The Psalmist wrote about the beneficial use of time, “Blessed is the person who meditates on God’s Word day and night” (Ps 1:1,2).

Jesus stated those who walk in the day will not stumble, it is those who walk in the night who stumble because they have no light (Jn 11:10). Artificial light has to a large degree lessened this physical possibility although it can’t be compared to daylight, yet the implication is if we are walking closely with Him who is the Light, we will be kept from deception and spiritual shipwreck – deception originates with Satan (Jn 8:12, 9:5, 12:46; Rev 12:9). Proverbs says, "The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble" (Prov 4:19).

The sudden return of the Lord is likened to a thief’s unwelcome intrusion in the night, inferring the unexpected happening and timing, catching people unprepared (1 Thes 5:2).

In the glorious existence of eternal life, there will be no night (Rev 21:25, 22:5).

Night-time of the soul

This is a condition believers can sometimes experience and grapple with. It is described as extreme mental, emotional, or spiritual anguish when it seems God isn’t listening and we have a sense of the withdrawal of His presence resulting in intense feelings of helplessness, confusion, uncertainty and

This too will pass

fear. We may question our life choices, our beliefs, and even doubt God as well as questioning our salvation. We may be perplexed but God is not. He is using every moment of this season and every element to equip us for service in His Kingdom.

If we are aware there is sin, this must be resolved, as “Your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” (Isa 59:2). Another reason is we may have aimlessly wandered away from a vital connection to the Lord and been ensnared by the world and it’s values.

Some valuable lessons in relation to our spiritual walk can only be learnt in these trying dark times that we can’t in the sunlight of His felt presence. "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" (Deut 8:2). It is during these dry 'wilderness' times, we must trust in His promise that He is always with us and tenaciously hold on to our faith as Satan aims to separate us from our Saviour (Eph 4:27; Heb 13:5). Declare aloud the uplifting promises and assurances of scripture such as: "The Lord is with me: I will not be afraid...I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand...There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...If God be for us, who can be against us?...Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus" (Ps 118:6; Isa 41:10; Rom 8:1,35-39).

Realising we are not in the conscious presence of God Himself as we were, the dark spiritual night is not pleasant, but as physical night gives way to the sunlight of the day, we too will emerge into a greater appreciation of Christ’s glory and fellowship with Him and have a more mature serenity of personal character. Allow God to bring you into a richer place with Himself for whatever God does never ends in chaos or defeat (Rom 8:28).

Jesus gives us His peace even though He predicted that we would face persecution (Jn 14:27, 15:20). While neither Jesus nor the apostles ever taught of a ‘dark night of the soul’, the traumatic Gethsemane events would indicate both Jesus and the disciples had such experiences. The scared and bewildered disciples deserted and fled when Jesus was arrested (Mt 26:56). On the cross Jesus cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46).

Increasingly people are becoming more self-absorbed and this leads to increased incidents of depression and other destructive mental health issues. So rather than being unduly engrossed on ourselves by considering our wants that are not being ministered to, be outward looking to others. We should be focused on God and His great love to us, committing our lives into His hands as Jesus did when He couldn’t understand the events He was being subject to (Lk 23:46). Keep clinging to Jesus, spend time in the Word and never give-up your faith – you will come out of this incident a stronger, more resilient believer (Heb 10:35). “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). We are not to walk this life alone so reach out to trusted friends who you can share with and ask them to pray with and for you.