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The Dark Night | Pain & Doubt | Week 3
Mike Wilson
The Dark Night: Finding God in the Midst of Pain
Life is full of challenges, and at some point, everyone experiences a dark night—a season of pain, doubt, or searching for answers. In week 3 of the Pain & Doubt series, the story of Job serves as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is present, teaching and refining His people. Job cried out in despair, feeling abandoned by God, yet his faith carried him through. This message encourages believers to trust that even when God feels distant, He is actively at work.
Searching in the Dark Night
There are moments when it seems like God is nowhere to be found. Job expressed this feeling in Job 23:8-9:
I go east, but He is not there. I go west, but I cannot find Him. I do not see Him in the north, for He is hidden. I look to the south, but He is concealed.
Many can relate to Job’s frustration. Pain often leads to questions—Where is God? Why is this happening? During a dark night, the easy response is distraction. People turn to entertainment, substances, or quick fixes rather than leaning into the lesson God wants to teach. But just as Job remained faithful, believers today are called to seek God persistently.
Two Types of Dark Nights
St. John of the Cross described two kinds of dark nights—one active and one passive. The active dark night is chosen, such as fasting, solitude, or dedicated prayer time. These practices intentionally remove worldly distractions to focus on God. As Colossians 3:1-2 says:
Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven… Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.
The passive dark night happens when suffering is inflicted—loss, illness, betrayal, or hardship. Sometimes, God allows or even orchestrates these seasons to refine His people. While painful, these moments are invitations to draw closer to Him.
Lessons from the Dark Night
When enduring a dark night, believers may feel abandoned, but God is always present. Jonah experienced this when he was swallowed by the great fish. In Jonah 2:2, he cried out:
I called out to the Lord in my distress, and He answered me.
Like Jonah, people often resist God’s direction, but the dark night can realign their focus. God uses pain not as punishment but as a tool for transformation. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us:
The Lord disciplines those He loves.
Hope Beyond the Dark Night
Even when answers aren’t clear, faith assures that God is working all things for good. Romans 8:28 declares:
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
The challenge is to remain steadfast, trusting that today’s struggles will lead to future growth. The dark night isn’t the end—it’s a step in God’s greater plan. When facing hardship, rather than turning away, believers are encouraged to lean in, pray, and listen for God’s voice.
Conclusion
This message reminds everyone that while the dark night is difficult, it serves a divine purpose. God is refining, teaching, and preparing His people for something greater. Stay faithful, for His light will shine through the darkness.
Did you like Pain & Doubt – Week 3 – The Dark Night? If so, check out more of our Sunday teachings here.
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