GPRL – S14 Discernment (2): Desolation when God feels distant

Rule 5: Don’t rush into new decisions or change any important decision at this time.

When we find ourselves weighted down by a certain desolation we should not try to change a previous decision or to come to a new decision.

By its very definition, spiritual desolation is when we are not operating out of our “best” selves, or it is when the evil spirit is obstructing the good direction of our lives. It is actually good basic common sense to avoid rash decisions when we are “out of sorts”, and to wait until we have a balanced perspective on what is happening.

Ignatius says spiritual desolation is like water hitting a rock. It is jarring, and the sound of it slowly erodes our sense of right judgment.

Rule 6: Don’t sit back and do nothing

It might be helpful for us to try to tackle what is making us less than we know we can be. Ignatius suggests intensifying our prayer or taking on some penance. This might be as simple as telling God how I feel and asking for his help. Or we might choose to continue our usual pattern of prayer as a spiritual discipline in this dry time. Or we might plan to take some time out to really think about what is going on. It is often helpful to talk through our experience with a soul friend or a spiritual guide. At least seek out companionship. It can also be really beneficial to turn our attention away from ourselves and offer some simple practical help to others.

Rule 7: Remind yourself of what you already know about God

Often in desolation we feel as if God just isn’t there, or has abandoned us. We could reflect on our years of experience and what we know of God’s faithfulness, and the strength and power of his grace. It is an opportunity to exercise faith based on experience. Put another way, it might be useful to recall a time of consolation and to go back to it in your imagination.

Rule 8 : Be patient

This might be the last advice we want to hear as we feel anything but patient! Ignatius talks about it being “work” to be patient. It needs a bit of effort perhaps? To decide to remember previous consolations as in guideline three, and to remember that everything has its time, all things come to an end. There are times and seasons in your life. Keep telling God all about it and asking for his help.

Rule 9 : Three reasons for desolation

• We are tepid or negligent re our spiritual life

• It is a ‘test’ of our fidelity-without-consolation

• Through it we become aware that consolation is pure gift, and this increases our sense of dependency on God.