WHEN YOU'RE DOWN

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

365 DEVOTIONS FROM OUR DAILY BREAD

WHEN YOU’RE DOWN

READ:  Psalm 6

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; for the Lord

has heard the voice of my weeping.  Psalm 6:8

Sometimes it doesn’t take much to get us down, does it?  An unkind remark from a friend, bad news from the auto mechanic, a financial setback, or a misbehaving child can put a cloud of gloom over everything, even on the sunniest day.  You know you should be joyful, but everything seems to be against you, making simple tasks a struggle.

David must have been feeling that way when he wrote Psalm 6.  He felt weak and sickly (v.2), troubled (v. 3), forsaken (v. 4), weary (v. 6), and grief-stricken (v. 7).  But he knew what to do when he was down.  He looked up and trusted God to take care of him and to see him through.

When we look up and focus on God, something good happens.  We get our eyes off ourselves and gain a new appreciation of Him. 

Next time you’re down, try looking up to God.  He is sovereign (Psalm 47:8); He loves you (1 John 4:9-10); He considers you special (Matthew 6:26); He has a purpose for your trials (James 1:2-4).

Yes, life can seem unbearable at times.  But don’t let it keep you down.  Meditate on God’s goodness, talk to Him, and know that He hears you (Psalm 6:9).  That will give you strength to get up when you’re down.   DB

Come, ye disconsolate, where’er ye languish-

Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel;

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish:

Earth has no sorrow that heav’n cannot heal. -Moore

When life knocks you to your knees,

you’re in a good position to pray.