Sometimes Up and Sometimes Down

Let us look at an example in the Bible of a moment of despondency in the life of Moses. Despondent means “feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression.” Moses was despondent to the point that he wanted God to kill him. The children of Israel decided that they were sick of manna. Numbers 11:10 says, Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased.

There are times in our lives when we become overwhelmed and just do not feel that we can go another step. Things are not going well at work. Our children are not doing their best in school. Our houses are a mess, and we are never home long enough to do anything about it. The dirty laundry is taking over the laundry room. The children are sick, so we cannot fulfill our duties at church. It is then that we often say, “Lord, this is it! I can’t take any more!” We might not get to the point that Moses did, but we do get pretty low sometimes. At this point, we need to pray, “Lord, help me, and give me wisdom to know what to do.”

Proverbs 15:13 says, A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. The definition of merry is “giving pleasure, delightful, full of gaiety or high spirits.” Cheerful means “full of good spirits, conducive to cheer: likely to dispel gloom or worry.” When we have a merry heart and a cheerful countenance, we will not have a broken spirit; however, there will be times when we get down.

I am here to say that this is not unusual! Let us look at Moses. God talked to him from the burning bush. God gave him the Ten Commandments. God allowed him to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt. God led His people with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When His children were thirsty, God told Moses to strike a rock with his rod. He did, and the water came gushing out. They were hungry, and God provided them with manna to eat. After a diet of manna day after day, the people decided they were tired of it and cried to Moses that they wanted some meat. This is when Moses reached his breaking point.

Numbers 11:11-15 says, And Moses said unto the Lord, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

Moses asked God, “Why are You doing this to me? Did I father all these people? God, where will I get flesh to feed all these people? They are crying to me saying, …Give us flesh, that we may eat…!” Moses told God, “I cannot bear all this! It is too heavy for me. If I have to deal with this, just go ahead and kill me right now.”

If Moses felt this way, I think God understands when we get discouraged and when we do not have a merry heart and a cheerful countenance. Yes, we must work at giving pleasure to others and being delightful and happy. However, we also need to remember that, at times, we will become frustrated and discouraged ourselves, and so will others (including our children, our husbands, and other ladies). We need to stay aware of this and work at being an encourager. We may be surprised at how far just a small dose of encouragement can go!

by Carmel Bailey

Previous article
Next article

Related Stories

spot_img

Discover

When Christmas Doesn’t Feel Like Christmas

This is the time of year when Christians get to focus on and celebrate...

Lessons from the Flood

Genesis 8 I am reading through my Bible again and am currently in the book...

Does Jesus Care?

Have you ever been in a place in your life in which you wondered,...

Difference Maker

Jude 22 – And of some have compassion, making a difference: Music has been a...

The Victory Is Still the Lord’s

Sing, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel; be glad and rejoice with all...

Role Model of Christmas Womanhood

During this time of year, my mind is always drawn to whom I believe...

Lessons from the Oasis

Let me ask, Friend. Like David, are you in your desert? Do you feel forsaken or even pursued by the enemy? Does your wilderness feel desolate and alone?

It’s Okay to Get Weary

I had just experienced another night in which my almost four-year-old child would not...

Will God Get the Glory Through Me?

A few weeks ago, one of our assistant pastors preached from the book of...

He’s Still Workin’ on Me!

Have you ever started a project and not finished it? Have you ever had...

From Affliction to Adoration

Oftentimes, our response to tragedy is to exhaust our emotions: anger, sadness, disappointment, and fear. Instead, Job’s response ended with him in adoration for God.

Go to the Ant

I sat at work early one morning, waiting for my cup of coffee to...

We Need the Church

When I was growing up with my Dad and my sister, part of my...

In God We Trust

Two dollars. That’s it. As the realization hit me that there was no way to...

Bathroom Sink Blessings

As the children were settling back into school this past September, my husband and...

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Get a daily devotion in your inbox here.

X