Weather of the Soul
Sometimes God intentionally withholds experience of his presence, even during times of obedience.
It's important to learn how to take advantage of these normal weather patterns in the soul, called "consolation" and "desolation."
Consolation is the sense that God is close (e.g., joy, peace, gratitude, zeal, hope); Desolation is the sense that God is far (e.g., anxiety, restlessness, despair, oppression).
Desolation
God encourages new Christians through frequent consolations, and later matures us into realizing it's not available on-demand. We learn to first seek "the God of consolations vs. the consolations of God."
God never causes desolation, but he may permit it because we've been negligent in responding to him, thus bringing it on ourselves. God alerts us that we've drifted. Most desolation I experience is for this reason, though we may experience it by no fault of our own. In that case God is simply teaching us that consolation is pure gift purifying our love for him like metal in a fire. (E.g., Job.)
How to deal with desolation:
- Never make/change an important decision. Desolation is never God's voice.
- Simply persevere through it. Pray longer and discipline yourself.
- Patience. Remember consolation is just around the corner.
In fact, here it is . . .
Consolation
Note: To effectively track patterns, it's important to be
Keeping
a Prayer Journal
Actually, consolation is trickier. As we grow toward God, Satan cannot deceive us as easily through desolation, so he has to mimic God under the disguise of consolation. The key here is to read the weather patterns.
- A consolations without an identifiable cause can only come from God. E.g., we are criticized, yet it produces deep peace because we did the right thing.
- A consolation with an identifiable causes can be from either God or Satan—but upon closer, time-tested examination it must be wholly good to be from God.
In other words, since Satan can't successfully tempt a pious person with direct evil, he must steer him off course with a good thing—a lesser good than what God wants. For example, "my ministry must be from the Lord because I'm being so productive, even though I don't pray much anymore."
The Weather Man
God orchestrates the sunny/rainy days in the soul for our optimal growth. The sun is always there, though sometimes behind the clouds.
Don't look for the light—be the light.
I am calling you out into My light, but first you must pass through what seems like utter darkness to get there. What you don't know won't hurt you; all you do need to know is Me. I am the God of the light and the dark.
Follow the darkness until you see My light, then you will know without doubt or reservation, it is I who calls you and is drawing you beyond the darkness into a marvelous light, the same light that drew wise men, that transfigured Moses, that calls down the centuries to all of My people. "The night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to You." (Psalm 139:12).
So often My requests of you come to you in the dark, seemingly without plan or reason. But each step of faith brightens the dimness. Do not be paralyzed by questioning or fearing what you don't see. For it is only the steps into the seeming abyss that cause My light to radiate. Step forward into each new day, each day a new step bringing you closer to Me and further along in My call. 'The steps of the righteous are ordered of God.' You need only step them, for 'I make straight the path.'
This is not an easy command, but those who fail to heed it remain frozen in the space of indecision, unfruitfulness, no direction, and ultimately sorrow and anguish. I call My people, all of them, daily, but they must come forth. I am ever there, but they must come forth. I am ever there, searching for they that come; and those I see, I promote. You have few options in the Christian life: answer your call in Me or die on the vine. Is it worth the price, the pain, the momentary inconveniences? Settle for nothing less than My perfect calling. Your righteousness in Me will guide your steps, so stay close to Me always.
I am your God and I will never let you down.