When I cry unto you, then will my enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me. - Psalms 56:9)
I already know the answer to the question I’m about to ask you. Have you ever felt discouraged? Yeah, I have too. Earlier this week I was feeling the exact same way. Some of you might be thinking..”wow pastor, why are you always on some spiritual or emotional roller coaster? Aren’t you supposed to be like…strong, powerful in God, above all of the things that affect the rest of us?” I don’t know, maybe, but I’m not. I’m a human, so I strap on my seatbelt and lower the lap restraint so I don’t fall off the ride and then jolt forward on the roller coaster called the Christian life.
As with all amusement parks, the rides can be smooth at one point and exhilarating the next. There’s an inevitable climb to the top of the highest point of the coaster, clicking and clacking its way upward. And we all know what comes next. It begins with a slow creep over the crest of the tracks until we are in a near free fall. Fast, furious, and breathtakingly wild, we plummet downward. The ride shifts hard to the right, then hard to the left. It builds momentum again turning us upside down, our stomachs knotting and twisting with every chaotic move. And finally, after some time, the coaster gradually glides into the docking area. We exit the car, clutching our belongings that we are thankful didn’t fall out during the ride. We stand, wobbly at first, and let out gasps of relief.The speed induced adrenaline rush is over, but something makes us want to do it again. And you know what? It will happen again. Because that is life.
In my discouragement I wanted to find a way off the ride. Not life itself, just wanted to escape the feeling and memory of the thing that precipitated my sadness. But I could not. Once you’re on you cannot get off. So you ride it out. I prayed to God and asked Him to help me. For a time there was no relief. Later that day I fell asleep…a fact I have a hard time admitting because it makes it seem like I’m old. And you know I despise getting older. I consider my weariness the result of working almost 24 hours in a 48 hour period over the weekend. Once I awoke from a short nap, I felt the discouragement dissipating. It was like the roller coaster jolted left and right and upside down but was finally coasting to a stop. I was relieved. No thanks on a second ride. But I know it’ll come again.
Here is my hope. This is what I hang onto when I’m facing disappointment. That is, as David said in this Psalm, I know that God is for me. That no matter how challenging and pressing life can be at times. No matter how difficult some circumstances are to face. And no matter how long the discouragement lingers, God is on my side. He will ride the ups and downs with me. Even for me. This is my hope. And how can I know that God is for me? Because I am for Him. My confidence is sure because my soul is sold out to Him. My down moment wasn’t even about me, it was my concern for His kingdom and His glory and His work. And because my heart is for Him, His heart goes all out for me. He does and will continue to do the same for you. God is for you. God is for us.
Our HopeNOW evangelistic series has been a great blessing. We’ve had upwards of 30 guests and the messages have been insightful and moving. I encourage you to come out and to bring someone with you and there are a few nights to go. Pastor Eddy will conclude the series this coming Sabbath morning and we hope to see you!
Pastor Dean
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