In the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, between the Southern and Northern Hemispheres, exists an area called the doldrums. In the days of sailing, it was a dangerous location because of the absence of trade winds which could cause a ship to be stuck for weeks without any movement or progress.

On occasion, we may feel stuck in the spiritual doldrums. In the middle of our journey, everything stops and we are left waiting until the Lord brings a wind of change into our lives. The life of Abraham (in Genesis Chapters 15-17, 21) portrays the drastic consequences of one who acted in his own wisdom and strength instead of waiting for God’s fulfillment His promises. We don’t want to follow that route.

So what can we do as we wait for the Lord’s wind of change? Seek His face, give thanks and worship Him. One way to focus on Jesus is by writing our own songs of praise. Here is one of my own psalms using Psalm 143 as a starting point.

Open the heavens to my desperate cries for help

Your silence is my undoing

Don’t keep your face hidden or delay any longer

For I am lost without your presence

The enemy stalks me

Crushing my hope

Making me sink into darkness

My spirit is weary

My heart has lost its wings to fly

I think back on yesterdays

Your many gifts of loving care

I open my clenched fists

To feel the rain fall upon a parched heart

I will hide myself in you

For you can never be shaken.

Finally, in the Lord’s time, “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters…He rescued me because he delighted in me (Psalm 18:16, 19). We are no longer stuck in the doldrums but moving forward in His Spirit.