For those who have a relationship
with Christ there are various stages of growth and experiences to have with Him
throughout our journey here on earth. We
often like to speak of the joyous times, the devoted times, and the blessed
times. On the other hand though it is necessary to remember that in any
relationship there are ups and downs because we are human. We have a sinful
nature that prevents us from keeping that stage of perfection indefinitely here
on earth. We go through trials, we go
through seasons of doubting, we go through what most would call spiritual
valleys in our faith walk, and most of all we go through tests amongst these
things. Discipline from the Lord is
advanced through testing, is advanced through growth in our knowledge of who
God is. Sometimes you may find yourself
in what St. John of the Cross called “the dark night of the soul” which is when
the Lord removes your spiritual pleasures and devotional rewards in order to
test your endurance, your perseverance and your commitment to Him. I would encourage you to embrace these times
of emptiness, weakness and discipline for they are from the merciful Lord who
loves you and will not let you suffer for long.
Merciful
God, please let us stay joyful even in the darkest nights of our spiritual
life, Amen.
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