Consolation or Desolation

I recently read Listening to God in Times of Choice by Gordon T. Smith. The wisdom it contains is profound, and I’m continually amazed at the deep insight we’ve been given through gifted writers, both now and in times past.

Two words in particular stuck with me— consolation and desolation. These are ancient terms with depths of meaning beyond my ability to describe. Spiritual teaching pertaining to these themes is available for those who want to pursue it. My intention is to simply share what these words stirred up in me.

Consolation directs our focus to others and enables us to be compassionate and empathetic; it brings us into community; it generates creativity and inspiration, restores balance, and releases new energy in us. It’s a feeling of contentment, peace, joy, and well-being. Conversely, desolation is self-focused, driving us deeper into our negative feelings; it separates us from others, pulls us toward hopelessness and giving up, and drains our energy. It’s a feeling of discouragement, depression, anger, inner turmoil or discomfort.

Generally, our feelings fit into one or the other of these two categories. I read that desolation never comes from God, though He may allow it. It’s important to try to identify the source of desolation, and to understand that it can serve a purpose, but we should never make a decision while in this dark place.

Reading this, I think: Consolation or desolation.... everything I think, do, and say moves me toward one direction or the other. The words I speak can bring life or death. I pray: Lord, set a guard over my mouth! (Psalm 141:3)

I found a perfect illustration of these two possible outcomes in the garden. I don’t know why, but two similar plants planted in the same place went in two different directions in their plant-lives. One is green and healthy, but the one right next to it is brown and lifeless. There’s a world of difference between us and plants, but God often uses things we see in the world around us to show us spiritual truth. The plants symbolized the two outcomes—which one do I choose?

I think of times I let fear dominate that cause me to speak words of gloom and doom —predictions that don’t serve any purpose and may or may not come to pass; times I’ve listened to the condemning, accusing voice that’s so unlike the God of love I know; times I forget to offer hope and encouragement; times I look at the problem rather the solution. This is acting out desolation.

But I’m not discouraged; rather, I’m encouraged because I’ve more clearly and specifically identified desolation in my thinking and the words I speak. It’s easier to avoid the pits when you know where they are. My desire is to be oriented toward consolation as much as possible—to find the nugget of goodness, hope, truth, and love and speak out of that. My desire is to be more aware of "consolation and desolation" in my every day thoughts, words, and actions. Through Christ alone...

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” Philippians 4:8