Beaten Down

Nobody likes a whiner.

I sure don't.

But that is exactly what I feel like as I write this post. I almost feel like a stranger on my own site, since it has been more than a month since I have posted here.

Have you ever felt beaten down? Mentally - physically - emotionally - and spiritually drained?

We all get there from time to time. A friend of mine sometimes speaks about having "the blobs". (I think he means "the blahs" but "the blobs" kind of paints the picture anyway)

I'm not talking about clinical depression, suicidal thought, or taking desperate actions, but just the drained feeling that you are just spent.

I have often counseled others in that state to chill out. Take some time off. Count your blessings. Read your Bible, Pray, Get closer to God, spend some time with an old friend, etc, etc, etc. But the truth of the matter is, that it is often easier said than done. No matter who you are, what you do, or how hard you try, somtimes you just find yourself spent, tired, sad, uncreative, and beaten down. You know in your heart that it is not a sin to get knocked down, but it is to stay down. Yet at times, you just don't feel like you have the ooomph to get back up off the mat.

The amazing thing about getting down in the mullygrubs is that it usually it comes after some time of blessing, or the proverbial mountain top experience.

The prophet Elijah, in the Old Testament, was no different. Soon after the the tremendous victorious experience on Mt. Carmel, when fire from God actually fell in a powerful victory of one man against a host of enemies - we soon find Elijah sitting under a Juniper tree, having a pity party!

The lesson indicates that even the most dedicated servants of the Lord, sometimes scrape bottom. The encouraging news is that in spite of it all, God is faithful. He lovingly rebuked Elijah. He met his needs and brought refreshment to him. He reminded the prophet that he was not alone. And He gave Elijah strength to get up and get on about the Father's business.

He can and does do the same thing for us.

I know this is true. I've been there before and He has come through. I know He will do it again.

My prayer tonight is simply this: Lord I know you are there. I know your promises. Please send the time of refreshing. I am ready...