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Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m�agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
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It's not as bad as it sounds. I only have it at night.
But I'm in good company. Some of our most revered biblical heroes endured sleepless nights. There was the night that Jacob wrestled with an angel--perhaps even one greater than an angel. There was the night Jesus prayed desperately in the garden of Gethsemane as his most beloved disciples slumbered nearby.
The reasons for my insomnia vary from one night to the next. One night, Creativity might be in a mood for a midnight brainstorming session--blurting projects, insights, solutions--incessantly, impatiently, insisting that I transcribe her thoughts before they are forgotten. On another night, Intercession might remind me of a friend who is carrying a burden too heavy to bear alone, urging me to pray, to heal, to share. Still another night, Darkness might intrude into my room and sit unwelcome at the foot of my bed, sometimes murmuring its insults and threats, other times content to disturb with its brooding, silent presence of despair.
Then there are other nights when insomnia is simply the result of knowing that a favorite old black and white romantic comedy is running on Turner Classic Movies. (Come now, it's not all heavy.)
But insomnia is an apt metaphor for something even more troubling to men and women of faith; it represents, as one ancient poet called it, the "dark night of the soul"--a time marked by a pervading sense of darkness and divine abandonment. When believers first experience the embrace of the Father, they are sheltered from the reality of a sense of separation from him, his absence; its reality can prove devastating.
Insomnia, however, has taught me a little bit about dealing with the more disturbing, dark night of the soul...
First, stop looking at the clock. Time can add a sense of desperation to the dark night of the soul. Create a space free from the constraints of time. Acknowledge that light
will emerge from the dark night of the soul as surely as dawn emerges
from a night of insomnia.
Second, "name" the compelling themes that are gripping your heart and mind. Often you can defuse the fear and create a safe space simply by naming, or identifying, it.
Third, replace the distressing voices of your own fearful counsel with solitude, spiritual reading, and prayer. Unless absolutely necessary, contemplate in silence rather than seek distraction.
Fourth, acknowledge that darkness and light are only mutually exclusive from our mortal perspective. In God's absence we can fully discover his presence [Psalm 22:1-5]; in truth, his absence and presence are beyond human experience--beyond our thoughts and emotions--and easily misperceived.
How does a "dark night of the soul" show up in you?
Are there particular circumstances
that seem to set it in motion for you?
How might journaling the experience prove helpful?
Contemplate the statement,
"In God's absence we can fully discover his presence."
What insights around this statement come up for you?
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Michael Fox
m�agine!
530/613.2774
P.O. Box 9144
Auburn, CA, USA 95604
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m�agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models: Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength.
Michael's books include Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook, and Biblio�files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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