THE DOLDRUMS

THE DOLDRUMS!

Song 4:16

16 Awake, O north wind; and come, thou south; blow upon my garden, that the spices thereof may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden, and eat his pleasant fruits.

           The doldrums is a colloquial expression derived from historical maritime usage, which refers to those parts of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans affected by the Intertropical Convergence Zone, a low-pressure area around the equator where the prevailing winds are calm. The doldrums are also noted for calm periods when the winds disappear altogether, trapping sail-powered boats for periods of days or weeks. The term appears to have arisen in the 18th century, when cross-equator sailing voyages became more common. The doldrums have been more than adequately described in The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge. (source Wikipedia)

Day after day, day after day,

We stuck, nor breath nor motion;

As idle as a painted ship

Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, every where,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, every where,

Nor any drop to drink.

           The early church was warned in Acts 1:4 not to venture out until they had received the “promise of the Father” which arrived in Acts 2 as a “rushing mighty wind!” The Holy Spirit brought everything that this new church would need to navigate the sea of change. They opened their sails to a powerful moving force.

           Oh, how many times have I been caught in the doldrums! Days and weeks go by and my vessel seems stuck in non-movement. Then the breath of the sweet Holy Spirit fills my sails and moves me forward. How refreshing are the breezes of God.

           If you’re stuck in the doldrums, let me encourage you not to give up. Wait on the Lord in prayer and ask for Him to send the Wind of the Holy Spirit into your life. I’m talking about spending some serious time in prayer. The disciples prayed and waited in one place until God answered. We need to do the same thing. Be prepared though. When that rushing, mighty wind blows into your life, God will take you farther than you ever dreamed possible.

Dear Holy Spirit, blow upon those who are stuck in the doldrums today. AMEN