Bouncing Back
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.” Proverbs 24:16 NLT
Life happens! Those who follow Christ are not immune from the difficulties and challenges of life. Jesus Himself was very clear when He said, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Matthew 5:45 NIV) So, what makes the difference?
One of the greatest differences is in the resiliency or the ability to bounce back. The issues not if or when you “fall” but in your determination to “get up” and to move on. As the proverb above indicates those who are wise, those who place their trust in the Lord may face multiple set backs and challenges, but each time they will get back up. In contrast often the wicked are felled by one disaster. Their hope is fragile and their resources are limited.
Solomon adds to his “pep talk” this observation, “If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.” (Proverbs 24:10 NLT) The psalmist talks about those who go through the valley of Baca. Baca, means weeping. He says those who set their focus on “pilgrimage” – those who journey with their “eyes on the prize” – “They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” (Psalm 84:7 NIV)
When we “journey with the Lord” we realize that we are not alone. I like the words of the psalmist when he says, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 37:2324 NLT) As we trust in the Lord we are not “down for the count” we are able to get up and keep moving forward.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that You give us the courage and strength to “get up” when we are knocked down. We don’t have to be thrown into confusion or doubt when difficulties arise, but we can realize that those are times that test and prove our faith and trust. Thank You that when we trust in You we can get up again and again.