The “doldrums” are a belt of calms north of the equator between the trade winds in the oceans. The “doldrums” are also a metaphor for a period of inactivity, stagnation, or waiting…. I wonder if I’m the only one who ever feels like he’s in the doldrums? Oh, are you waiting for something, too?
Maybe you are waiting for healing. Maybe you are waiting for resolution. Maybe you are waiting for something over which you have no power and no control. It’s frustrating and it can be all consuming.
One of my favorite verses (or moments in Salvation History) is Genesis 8:1 – Then God remembered Noah*, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. (emphasis mine)
God has used this verse to point out two things to me:
- The year Noah, his family, and lots of smelly, noisy animals spent floating was the very essence of being in the doldrums. The highlighted phrase makes it clear that God was working elsewhere. The long wait wasn’t about Noah; the long wait was about the destruction of the earth. For Noah and the crew it was a time of preservation and protection while the Judge’s gavel was coming down on others. Maybe God has me in the doldrums NOT to frustrate me, but to protect me while He does business elsewhere. Or put another way, maybe, whatever I’m going through, is not about me at all!
- The year Noah and his family were in those doldrums, waiting for God to release and restore them, was not a year without purpose. There were still animals to feed and clean up after, there was still family to love on, there was still opportunity to pray and meditate…. As God has me waiting for the next big thing, He wants me to be faithful in the small things, the everyday things!
Pray for me as I pray for you and let’s all look for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, never missing an opportunity to live out His Great Commandments and His Great Commission!
Pastor Scott
*Moses also used that phrase, “God Remembered,” a number of other times. For instance, when referring to the opening of Rachel’s womb (Gen 30:22) and to the redemption of Israel out of slavery (Exodus 2:24).
Grace Notes 