First person: Growing through the dark nights of the soul

From time to time, we all experience periods of deep spiritual anguish. John of the Cross (a 6th-century reformer of the Carmelite way of life) called these times the “Dark Night of the Soul.” He describes seven deadly spiritual imperfections that God illuminates during these times of suffering.

Instead of focusing on the extreme trial, look to Christ and His freedom. Here’s a breakdown of these seven deadly imperfections:

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1. Spiritual pride. God uses the Dark Night to strip away your sense of self-sufficiency and impatience with others while opening your eyes to your total dependence on God.

2. Spiritual avarice (greed). The Dark Night reveals a pride in learning and intellectualism instead of growing in poverty of spirit. God teaches you to love Him for who He is over and above your own spiritual knowledge and accomplishments.

3. Spiritual lust. John of the Cross saw a danger of Christians receiving more satisfaction in spiritual blessings of God than God Himself. The Dark Night is traumatic. God uses this time to turn you from seeking blessings to seeking Him.

4. Spiritual anger. Christians can become impatient waiting on God, which leads to frustration and anger. The Dark Night teaches patience and surrender, helping the soul trust God’s hidden work even in silence.

5. Spiritual gluttony. Like children, we sometimes long for a life of pleasure. We can become content with religious activities instead of a deep communion with God. The Dark Night weans the soul of spiritual excess, leading to a deeper, quieter and more mature faith.

6. Spiritual envy. Christians often compare. Jealousy arises when you perceive others as doing better “spiritually” than you. God uses the Dark Night to refocus you on God and God alone.

7. Spiritual sloth (acedia). You sometimes avoid what is hard, preferring ease over Christ’s cross. The Dark Night removes distractions and forces your soul to rely on faith over feelings and surrender over sloth.

Again, many of us have experienced or are experiencing the “Dark Night of the Soul.” Instead of throwing in the towel and giving up, look to Christ.

Ask God to use this period to refine you, stripping away self-centered spirituality and leading you to more profound love with Him.

Instead of relying on emotional highs or personal achievements, God will teach your soul to dive deeper into His love for His sake, embracing faith, humility and deep trust.