Every relationship has its ups and downs - our walks with God included. We want perfection and a smooth road; never any dry periods, always hearing His voice when and how we'd like to. We always want to feel full and happy. So when we find ourselves going through rough patches, we often pull away instead of pulling closer, as if God has failed us and this relationship isn't going to work.

Recently, while reading a book by Sarah Young, a missionary and counselor, a quote in which she took on the voice of Christ, stood out to me: "Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace."

What a beautiful concept; even when we may be experiencing feelings of barrenness, God is present. There will be times when you wonder about the mark you are making (or lack thereof) in the world for the Kingdom of God. There will be times when you may feel spent and inept. It may feel easier to allow these feelings to knock you out of the pull of the Presence of God, than to draw closer to Him. Don't give in to it. Keep seeking Him and patiently wait. It's in the silence that it's easier to hear someone's voice. Keep yourself prepared to hear Him when He finally speaks.

David was a man of God who was constantly communicating with the Lord. But, even for him, there were times when He felt as if God was far away. He watched the horizon for the promises of God to be filled. He went through periods where he called out to the Lord but felt like he heard nothing. He, too, like we often do, had to wait on the Lord. For all the Psalms I've read where he is seeking for God, I've read ones where he is rejoicing in God's provision and direction at the perfect time.

If God is who He says He is, then the rough patches will pass. In the New Testament, Jesus says that if an earthly father can give his child a piece of bread when the child asks, then God is far more able to provide when His children ask (Matthew 7:7-11).

Be patient in the tough periods. Think of it as a way of experiencing the Peace of God in a new way. You aren't any less of a man or woman of God because you're going through this.

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youth grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall' but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." Psalm 27:14 NIV

Shari Grant is a Registered Nurse in South Florida, where she was raised in a (very!) Jamaican home. Some of the loves of her life are words (both reading and writing them) and missions work. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while living for a good laugh - one that makes her belly ache and her eyes water. Her bottom line goal in life is to make the Lord smile and maybe even serve Him up a chuckle from time to time, too.