Relief from Life’s Doldrums

In the years before engines powered great sailing vessels, a ship crossing the Equator could drift for days waiting to catch a fresh breeze that would move it ahead.  The ship and all those on it were caught in the doldrums, a hot, miserable place that sapped energy and derailed hope. 

The experience of the doldrums was so profound that it became descriptive of the times in life where we seem to drift, lacking purpose and direction, plodding though each day, waiting for some change or movement that can propel us forward.  These are difficult times that drain our energy and sidetrack our joy, days of soul-numbing weariness.

Psalm 23 is a fresh breeze that God gives to catch our sails and escort us out of the doldrums of life. 

• Here we find relationship to combat loneliness – He is my Shepherd.

• There is physical provision and refreshment – He makes me lie down in green pastures.

• We find peace as He leads us beside the still waters.

• Hope and purpose are renewed, because He restores the soul.

Times of difficulty and heartache are certainties in this life.  It is only as we live in the presence of the Shepherd that we can avoid being pushed by troubles into the doldrums.

Photo by Tuur Tisseghem on

In Psalm 23 we find the RAFT of deliverance from the doldrums of life:

• Recognize who the Shepherd is and my relationship to Him;

• Accept the Shepherd’s physical, emotional, and spiritual provision;

• Follow the Shepherd’s direction;

• Trust the Shepherd’s heart.

I hurry and worry –          God calls me to rest in Him.          He leads me by still waters.I burn out –          He restores my soul.I struggle with decisions –          He leads me on His righteous path.I feel alone –          He is with me.I am stressed –          His gentle correction and guidance comfort me.I deal with people and situations who hurt me–          He sets a table to meet my needs and sustain me in their presence.I am dry –          He anoints my head with oil.Daily my cup overflows with His blessings.Absolutely, truly, positively His goodness and mercy go with me every day of my life, and my future is secure in Him. He is my Shepherd – In Him, I have everything I need.

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10, KJV).

Photo of Sailboat, Beth Mims