Ignatius Loyola, medieval contemplative and founder of an Order, said your heart lives either in consolation or desolation. Never make decisions when your heart is in desolation.
I don’t think he was talking about bi-polar disorder where you have wild mood swings between “manic” and “depressive” states. There are pharmaceuticals for that. If you have that, see a psychologist. But if we look honestly at ourselves, we’ll notice that sometimes we seem close to God (consolation). Everything, if not great, looks like there will be a positive outcome. I feel at peace. Sometimes God seems far away (desolation). Despair captures the soul. You feel unloved and alone.
Loyola was right. Be aware of your own feelings. If you are in desolation, don’t make a big decision. Don’t decide to quit your job and become a hippie poet. Don’t leave your spouse. Whatever. Tomorrow is another day. You will balance. Of course, if you notice you are in desolation for longer periods, seek help. See a friend, pastor, counselor. Don’t live in despair.
I have been studying John’s gospel for some time. In the middle of it (around chapters 14-16), Jesus is giving his close friends and chosen leaders instructions about the changes their lives will experience after he is gone. He said that they were contented today, but tomorrow they would be scattered and depressed. But then shortly afterwards, they would be overjoyed.
He also said they wouldn’t understand until it happens.
Sure enough. In a few hours Jesus was arrested, taken before various authorities, condemned to death and hung on a cross. And those friends of his scattered. All were in despair. It happened so quickly that they could not remember Jesus’ words or see the big picture.
Then came the resurrection. They were back in consolation–that is in peace with God. Then they made wise decisions. We are the descendents and recipients of the fruits of those decisions.
It’s not so much “don’t despair.” It happens to us all at times. It’s really about recognizing what state our heart is in and then knowing what to do about it.
Faith Venture 
Leave a comment