The Doldrums

I went on a Men's Retreat this weekend, and as usual, I learned things, I was inspired, and I became closer to the men in my life.

There was one thing that I learned that I wanted to share with you.

The Doldrums.

The Doldrums is a windless, current-less part of the ocean around the equator. Sailors can easily get stuck there with no wind for a long period, marooning them on the equator with no comfort or escape.

The Doldrums is a fact of life. I am there at the moment. Its a point in life where nothing seems to be moving. No advancements, no goals, no vision, no additions.... just a vast expanse of the same thing. And I can understand why someone would go crazy there. But God has a plan.

The way I see it, the Doldrums can be one of two things for your life. It can be a growing period, a time where God is trying to teach you important things you would never be able to learn again. Moses had his in the desert after running from Egypt, Job had his when God cut off communication, David had his after being anointed to be king and then sent back to the fields to be a shepherd for several more years. It can be very frustrating (I know), but so is boot camp, so are entry-level positions, and I'm sure butterflies and moths aren't having the times of their lives in the cocoon. But its for the better.

The second way is a little different. The Doldrums on the ocean are actually created by the strong winds of the north meeting the strong winds of the south. This buffer section in between is almost like the eye of a hurricane. The outside forces mixing with each other create a still, safe bubble of protection. In life, I can see this as the enemy trying very hard to get at you, to destroy your life before you become too much of a good to the world. And instead of God just wiping those attacks out for good, He buffers. He meets the strong winds of the south and you are left windless. But at the same time, you are protected from a much worse fate.

Now don't get me wrong, God is powerful enough to just clear your path of all storms, but by putting you into the stagnant Doldrums He can show you how powerful He really is. Although the enemy is giving everything he has to break the barriers of the north winds, God is barely even trying. He loves you and is capable of bringing about the best you. You may need to learn that before moving on.

Although I don't enjoy the Doldrums, I have learned to appreciate them for what they are. Because God's best for you, may not be what you think is best.



And besides, the Doldrums don't last forever...