Ever been in the doldrums?

The doldrums. The word itself sounds…well…boring. Sailors of the 1800s feared the doldrums. You see, “doldrums” is an ancient nautical term for an area of the oceans generally located around the equator. Sailors knew if they found themselves there, they were likely to encounter a place where the winds and sea were dead still calm. To be caught there meant little or nothing was going to happen.

I’ve been in the doldrums. No… not the ocean location. In my life. Maybe you have, too. A time when it seemed like nothing good was happening. Life was going on…but just existing. No challenge. No motion. Nothing to propel you forward to your intended destination. The doldrums.

I’ve added some thoughts to what writer Mark Casey gives as good suggestions on what to do when stuck in the doldrums.

1. Recognize where you are. Step back from the details of your life at the moment and acknowledge: “I am stuck in the doldrums! This environment is not conducive to my going anywhere positive. I am getting nowhere fast.”

2. Get clear about where you want to go. You are going to get unstuck, so you ought to know where you want to go when the winds begin to blow. Prepare for what happens when you start moving. Reflect on where God wants you to be.

3. Change your environment. Usually, the winds of change are close by. The fact that you are not moving does not mean that there are not places where the wind does blow. You likely need to change your current environment to get to those trade winds. Unlike the physical doldrums, most of us can greatly control the environment in which we live, learn, and work.

4. Apply energy (or generate some wind). Once engines were invented and built into ships, the doldrums could be navigated. You may need the equivalent of an engine in your life to get unstuck. Prayer is a great place to turn when in the doldrums. What does God have for you? Where does He want you? What path has the Lord mapped for you? Get motivated.

Of course, the doldrums can be a time to take assessment and renew your confidence in the Lord for His plan.

[blockquote author=”Psalm 46:10 NLT” link=”” target=”_blank”]Be still and know that I am God….[/blockquote]

And as a follower of Christ, you know you are not alone, even in those doldrum days.

[blockquote author=”Hebrews 13:5 NLT” link=”” target=”_blank”]I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.[/blockquote]

Don’t let the doldrums get you down. Use them.

• Rest.
• Re-establish your connection with the Lord.
• Reassess your life and goals.
• Re-energize yourself.
• Row hard toward the goal Christ has for you.