Mansion Of The Heart Chapter 9 Analysis

In Chapter 9 in Mansion of the Heart, “John of the Cross insists that these Dark Nights are not optional; nor may they be avoided if we are to grow in relationship to God, beyond a certain point” (Ashbrook, p.165-166) In reference to agreeing to his claim, I could personally relate deeply to the topic. Though the experiences of the Dark Night are often rough and unpleasant, the Dark Nights ultimately lead us to be closer to God. The symptoms of the Dark Night can make many feel they have done wrong, but that is truly not the reason or intent of the purpose. “They are created by God as an essential part of our pilgrimage, occurring in the more mature years of Christian journey toward a union of love with Him.”(Ashbrook, 2009, p. 150) The Dark Nights are not optional if we are desiring a deeper relationship with God. Personally, my sufferings have led to burdens of the heart, but trusting God in the midst of the trial formulated inner light to the Dark Nights.
Jesus the Son of the Lord, was a man that endured a share of Dark Nights.
Luke 22:44 states, “And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (New International Version) Jesus’ Dark Nights occurred up to the very last of him living, the son of God experienced Dark Nights. Striped, beat and bleeding until unrecognizable, then hung on the cross to die is where Jesus encountered suffering. Psalm 22:1 says, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?” (New International Version) Though this Dark Night encounter was darker than anything that anyone would ever experience it was a spiritual breakthrough for all
mankind.
1 Kings 19:10, Elijah’s explains his discouragement for life and him being the only prophet left in Israel. The Dark Nights for Elijah were facing an emotional and spiritual breakdown. Through the hardship God eased Elijah’s concerns. 1 King 19:18 states, “Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel--all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him." (New International Version) The Dark Nights lead Elijah to trust the words of the Lord.
Apostle Paul even encountered a passage of Dark Nights (life threating events) in his life, so deep he despaired to live. 2 Corinthians 1:8-10 emphasizes on the Dark Nights Paul encounters (his hardship in Asia). As a spiritual growth experience, Paul formulated wisdom to his own sufferings and spiritual renewal. 2 Corinthians 4:7 says, “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” His Dark Nights were to provide the followers of Christ with a vital message.
As Christ followers we are called to faithfully follow God. “For those of us willing to journey onward to the heart of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit leads us into the boot camp and vision quest of these Dark Nights.” (Ashbrook, 2009, p. 152) For the Lord is equipping us to be authentic followers of Christ.