What Is the Purpose of the Dark Night of the Soul?

Have you ever had a moment where you felt empty in life, going through the motions, unable to bear the sadness and pain around you, having no sense of direction, and feeling like you had lost all hope? Probably yes. You may have been going through a dark night of the soul. 

What Does the Dark Night of the Soul Mean?

The dark night of the soul is a stage in one’s life when a person undergoes a difficult and significant transition to a deeper perception of life and their purpose in it. This enhanced awareness is accompanied by a painful shedding of previous beliefs, identity, relationships, career, or habits that previously offered a false sense of accomplishment. 

For many, the dark night of the soul is a confusing time of feeling lost, as if the foundation of their lives has been pulled out from beneath their feet. It’s a time of darkness, as their innermost essence is in the shadow and removed from the light of their previous awareness.

In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul says: 

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“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 

2 Corinthians 4:8-9

During a dark night of the soul, a person can struggle with their sense of meaning on earth. Everything can seem purposeless in the midst of intense feelings of sadness, frustration, and hopelessness. 

We can also say the dark night of the soul represents a period of transition and transformation in your life where you shed those things that no longer serve you in order to step into a new way of life by being true to who you are. 

It requires that you let go of the old self that isn’t serving you anymore in order to grow into your more authentic self. It has been described as a kind of death and rebirth.

What is the purpose of the dark night of the soul?

It Creates Deeper Self-Awareness

As you pass through the dark night of the soul, your life takes on more awareness and alignment with the truths you have discovered. You may begin to focus on a clear vision of what success and happiness currently mean and how you want your life to be going forward. 

At this point, your life may begin to feel deeply meaningful and authentic because you’re growing into who you are meant to be.

It Reconnects You to God

The dark night of the soul can be a humbling experience that sparks a thirst to pray and surrender to God. Through trials and tribulations, you learn to give God your trust and fully rely upon His divine intervention to strengthen you and turn your life around. 

It Helps You Move Forward

Once you come to understand your true self as revealed through this process, the next step is making a conscious choice to move toward achieving your heart’s true desires. Make a solid commitment to move forward for the glory of God. 

It Helps You Appreciate Humanity

By going through the metaphorical fire, you shed baggage and learn to appreciate others a little more, to help others whenever you are able, to love others, and to be a trusted ambassador of the kingdom of God. 

Appreciating the process means being grateful for the life lessons you are learning in the midst of turmoil. 

Don’t Give Up

Through everything, be courageous and do not give up. Remember, no matter how dark the night is, the sun will always rise. Trust the process of life as you grow in your spirituality, and know that this, too, shall pass for the glory of God.