The Christian life (for most people anyway) is not lived on an even “keel.” That’s nautical language meaning we all have our “ups” and “downs!” An “even keel” … the boat is not in a storm, is smoothly plying the waters!
Yes, we all subscribe to Psalm 118:24 … “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” But even Paul had a few “bad” days! (That last trip to Jerusalem being among them.)
Psalm 55 gives us very clear example of a man of God having such days, “high” and “low.” And that man is David, “the sweet singer of Israel.” (Quoting 2 Samuel 23:1.)
Among enemies, chased by wicked King Saul … David confessed “the terrors of death are fallen upon me.” Psalm 55:4
(And I do not doubt that death has terrors. It has even been called “the king of terrors.” Death apparently has a “sting” too, or once had. According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:56.)
David, tell us how you’re feeling again, maybe understandably so. “The terrors of death are fallen upon me.”
I certainly do not doubt David’s sincerity here, not for a moment. He is scared, maybe even in “panic” mode!
But, wait a second. This is the same David who wrote … “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4
The same David who wrote … “I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.” Psalm 3:6
Who also wrote … “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1, a comfort to millions through the years.
Do you see my point yet?
David … afraid (on a bad day, spiritually speaking) … Psalm 55.
Then David fearless, even bold (on a good day, spiritually speaking) … a host of Scripture Verses!
I am just thinking that if a giant like David had them, we likely will experience them too … occasional bad days.
If “bad days,” that expression, bothers you … “weak days in the faith” might suit you better. Admit it or not … they occur!
The “KEY” … when you fall (have a bad day, stumble in your faith) GET BACK UP AGAIN!
Keep getting back up, after every bad day … “A just man falleth seven times, but riseth up again.” Proverbs 24:16
Wow!
A great Preacher once said: “No Christian is consistently as bad as the worse day he ever lived. And no Christian is consistently as good as the best day she ever lived!”
Probably so!
But we can stay Jesus-centered, even in all life’s “ups” and “downs.” The great Old Testament Patriarch Job sure did!
One Preacher said recently: “My worst day as a Christian is far better than by finest day as a sinner!”
After all, we’re going to spend eternity with Jesus!
Hallelujah!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
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