This a great video on the subject. If you’re unfamiliar with this idea, give the video a watch. I’m thinking of doing a podcast on this at some point because it’s such a fascinating topic.
This is part of our spiritual journey and often we can experience multiple dark nights of the soul. There’s a purpose for it that God has in store and while it is not at all an enjoyable experience, it is good for us.
Joseph Smith once wrote while in Liberty Jail:
O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?
D&C 121:1
4 Comments
Hello Mike, great to hear from you! You’ve probably had the biggest influence on my theological landscape than anyone so you may recognize many of your own ideas and things you’ve taught me here. I owe the name of this blog to you, it stuck with me!
Thanks for your thoughts on climbing, I like the idea of God being on belay because, in reality, God is always there even in we cannot perceive his presence or support. One of the most profound lessons of my life taught me that. I get the impression that covenanting with God and what that really means is really underrated in the minds of many.
This has been brought to my mind a lot lately as I’ve been in Jacob’s sermon quite a bit and how our natural inclination is to hearken to the precepts of men rather than those of God when we set them aside. The deeper God invites us into a relationship with him (covenants deepen the relationship) the deeper we gain acquaintance with him and acquire his mind and attributes.
I posted this video because I shared it recently with someone that needed it and I don’t really hear it discussed in this manner but I think the language, “dark night of the soul” is so accurate and reflects a part of our spiritual journey that is not well-known or articulated.
We do need to get together some time or at least hop on a call, thanks for visiting the site and I’m grateful that you are able to find useful things here. I’ll do my best to keep ’em coming.
There are many irons in the fire and sometimes it just takes years of life and experiences for them to condense into thoughts worth sharing.
Steve,
I love what you are doing to continue on your climb to understanding. I wish that we had more time to talk and to share. I have been reading through some of your material on this page and am learning and growing. I recently had an experience that invited me to be cut down and remade more closely in the image of God. Your sight is a great place for me to reflect and seek greater light and understanding for the journey home. Thanks for your insights. Here is something that I put together regarding the climbing experience.
Climbing
I have not yet become the person I desire to be. I have not yet reached the peak of perfection that I desire to ascend. Gratefully the Savior is there, being and showing me the way. Ordinances and covenants provide points of security which protrude like pitons along the pathway up the mountain. Obedience to his instructions ties me securely to each point of growth and provides me with the opportunity to continue to ascend higher. At times I struggle and fall from the heights to which he has led me. With each slip and wrong choice, gratitude fills my heart that I am harnessed in the safety of his atoning love. I begin again to steadily resume my climb up the peak of perfection, knowing that he is always on belay.
Lehi began his dream at dark for hours, he was the first in the tree
Thanks Steev from Chile
Hey, thanks for your insights and visiting, Roberto!