Experiencing spiritual emptiness is often required in the process of spiritual growth and transformation. Watchman Nee tackles this issue in his commentary on Daniel 10:8.
“So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” – Daniel 10:8
Watchman Nee Commentary
Watchman Nee writes about experiencing spiritual emptiness, saying,
Abundance comes from enlightenment. As light shines upon us, we become rich. Yet strange to say, when we do receive such enlightening, we feel on our side as though decreased and not increased. For the shining of light will break up your past sight. It destroys what you originally had. Under the illumination of God, we actually do increase, and yet we do not feel it that way! If, as God gives light, you think you have increased, then in reality you have seen nothing. But in case you indeed see, so far as your feeling is concerned, you sense an emptiness as though you have never commenced walking on the spiritual pathway of life. One who is truly abundant senses himself to be nothing under the light of God.”
This commentary on Daniel 10:8 highlights the paradox of spiritual growth and transformation. When Daniel experienced the overwhelming vision of God’s glory, he was left utterly drained, his human strength stripped away, and his comeliness—the best of his natural self—turned to corruption. This is a common response in scripture when individuals encounter God’s presence; Isaiah cried, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5), and John fell as though dead when he saw the risen Christ (Revelation 1:17). Encounters with God’s holiness reveal human inadequacy and dependence, creating what can be called a spiritual emptiness experience—a humbling process that paves the way for true abundance.
The Paradox of Spiritual Enlightenment
Watchman Nee masterfully explains this dynamic, emphasizing that spiritual enlightenment feels paradoxical. While God’s light does lead to abundance, it often feels like loss. This is because His light reveals areas in our lives that must be broken, letting go of past strengths, pride, or reliance on ourselves. As He shines His truth on us, our former confidence in ourselves is shaken, leaving us in a state of perceived emptiness. Yet this very emptiness becomes the foundation for spiritual growth and abundance. Experiencing spiritual emptiness leads believers to realize that they are nothing apart from God’s grace, positioning them to receive His fullness.
One of the most profound insights from Nee’s commentary is the idea that enlightenment breaks up “past sight.” This means that God’s revelation often requires us to unlearn what we thought we knew and embrace new perspectives shaped by His truth. It is a process of being stripped of self-sufficiency and reoriented to full dependence on Him. As believers, this can feel disorienting, even discouraging, as though we are starting from scratch. However, this humbling process is evidence of genuine progress. Those who feel overly confident in their spiritual achievements have likely not had a true encounter with God’s light.
Emptiness as a Necessary Step in Transformation
Experiencing spiritual emptiness is a vital reminder for every believer. When God humbles us, it is not to destroy but to transform. The emptiness we feel is a necessary step toward receiving His abundance. Daniel’s experience, along with Watchman Nee’s reflections, calls us to embrace this paradox. Feeling as though you’ve never begun walking on the spiritual pathway may actually mean you are making real progress. True enlightenment leaves us humbled and dependent, preparing us to receive all that God desires to give.
In conclusion, the process of spiritual growth often begins with what feels like loss – a stripping away of our natural strengths and confidence. As God’s light illuminates our lives, we may experience a spiritual emptiness experience that humbles us and reveals our need for His grace. Yet this emptiness is not the end; it is the beginning of true abundance. Daniel’s encounter with God and Watchman Nee’s commentary remind us that humility and dependence are the foundations of spiritual richness, and that God fills what we surrender to Him.
About Raleigh Acupuncture
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates, we are deeply committed to providing the highest quality professional acupuncture while being rooted in strong Judeo-Christian values of love, faith, kindness, and truth. Our practice is guided by a belief in compassionate care, where each patient is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their background, faith, or beliefs. We welcome people from all walks of life, creating a warm and inclusive environment where healing and holistic wellness are our top priorities. Our dedication to delivering exceptional acupuncture is paired with a genuine love for helping others, making our clinic a place where faith and top-tier medical care come together for the well-being of every patient.
Next Steps
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
Meet Our Practitioners (Video).
Learn about all the conditions we treat.
Focus Keyphrase: Experiencing Spiritual Emptiness
Image generated with https://perchance.org/ai-text-to-image-generator
