Down But Not Out

Is there anyone who can say, “I’ve never felt hopeless, depressed, or extremely down? That’s when it’s important to be honest with God.

As a shepherd, David enjoyed the great outdoors. But once King Saul knew David was anointed to be king, he and his army pursued David with the intent to kill.

While fleeing for his life, David often ended up hiding in caves. In Psalm 143, he said dwelling in darkness made him feel God was hiding from him (v. 3). Yet by faith, he declared his trust in God and prayed for God to deliver him from his enemies (v. 8-9).

I remember a time of despair in college. I had always felt the presence of God in my daily Bible reading, but now the joy was gone. The words no longer came alive to me, but I kept on reading.

I would point to the scriptures and say, “Lord, I believe this though I don’t feel a thing.”

I can’t tell you when it happened, but I know at some point my despair was gone. I not only had the joy of the Lord but the issue causing my despair was resolved.

James said we show our faith by our actions (James 2:18). David did this by lifting his hands and asking God to hear and answer his prayers (v. 1, 6, 7). I did it by pointing to the scriptures and declaring, “I believe it, though I don’t feel it.”

Whether you want to call our acts perseverance or endurance, the point is both David and I fit the down but not out category.

Have do you act when spiritually or emotionally down? Do you tell yourself to hope in God?

Once again, David sets a fine example with some honest self-talk.

In Psalm 42:5 he says, “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence.”

The next time you’re “down,” tell yourself “I’m not out!” Then follow up with a personal declaration of faith in God.  

Pixabay: Stone, Red Sandstone; makamuki0.