The journey of the discerning heart sometimes moves through experiences of dryness, confusion, weakness, suffering, and fear. Each of these can test our trust in God and, if not understood, can open the door to what St. Ignatius calls spiritual desolation, that deeper interior darkness where faith feels shaken, prayer seems fruitless, and the soul feels far from God.

It is important to distinguish between ordinary desolation and spiritual desolation. Ordinary desolation can arise from natural causes such as fatigue, illness, or emotional strain. These are part of our human condition and often lift with rest or care. Spiritual desolation, however, touches the soul’s relationship with God. It is a spiritual heaviness, a sense of abandonment, or a fading of joy in prayer and faith.

God never causes spiritual desolation, for He is the source of all light and peace. But in His wisdom, He may allow it. He permits this trial so the soul may grow in fidelity and learn to love Him without relying on feelings or visible signs of grace. What feels like absence can become the place where faith matures and love deepens.

The enemy, however, uses this same moment to sow discouragement and doubt. He tempts the soul to believe that God has withdrawn or that past consolations were never real. St. Ignatius warns that these are lies to be resisted firmly. The heart must remember that the truth revealed in light remains true in darkness.

That is why St. Ignatius counsels, “In time of desolation, never make a change.” Never alter a spiritual resolution, practice, or discernment made when the heart was in consolation. The peace God gave then still holds, even when it cannot be felt.

Advent reminds us that Christ entered the world in night and stillness. When the heart feels most deserted, He is not absent. He is quietly forming in us a faith that endures.

St. Ignatius understood desolation as a necessary stage of growth. He describes it as “darkness of soul, disturbance, movement to low and earthly things, disquiet, and lack of hope and love.” Yet he also teaches that God allows these moments to help the soul see that peace and joy are gifts of grace, not achievements of effort.

In Rule 6, Ignatius counsels the soul to act “vigorously against the desolation”, to pray more, to examine itself, and to remember that God’s consolation will return. The key is remembrance. Remember what God has done. Remember how He has led you before. Remember that His faithfulness has not changed.

For Ignatius, desolation becomes fruitful when the soul resists discouragement and clings to the memory of light. It is a test of love’s endurance; a school of trust that prepares the heart for greater union with God.

This Advent, we have seen how dryness can dull the heart, confusion can cloud understanding, weakness can humble, suffering can refine, and fear can narrow trust. These experiences can sometimes accompany spiritual desolation or lead toward it, but they are not the same. Even when they appear together, God is near.

In desolation, you may question whether the joy, peace, or closeness you once felt was ever real. That doubt is the enemy’s voice. Faith remembers. It recalls the mercy of God and refuses to rewrite the story of His goodness.

The discerning heart learns to resist despair by remembering grace. When you cannot see or feel God, you still know Him by what He has already done. Desolation may silence your emotions, but it cannot erase truth.

Ask yourself: When have I felt God’s closeness before? What light of consolation do I need to remember today?

Return to a past moment when you clearly knew God was near; a time of peace, consolation, or gratitude.
Thank Him for that grace.
Say aloud:
“Lord, what You revealed then is still true now.”

Later in the day, when discouragement comes, repeat quietly:
“I will not change direction in this darkness. I trust that Your light will return.”

Let both moments be acts of remembrance and faith.

Lord Jesus, when my heart is dark and my memory clouded,
help me to remember Your faithfulness.
Teach me to trust You when consolation fades
and to hold fast to what You revealed in the light.
Through the wisdom of St. Ignatius,
grant me patience in desolation and courage in trial.
Strengthen my love, deepen my faith,
and keep me steady until Your peace returns.
Come Lord Jesus.
Make my heart ready.
Amen.