Low Tides

Psalm 55

How much like the tide we are! When our  spirits are high, we are flooded with optimism, hope, and expectation. But when low, our jagged barnacles of disappointment, discouragement, and disillusionment are exposed. We struggle to maintain an even keel as the rough winds jerk out sails.

Like the pull of the sea, some of our low tides are almost predictable.

Is that all ... is that all there is to victory?

Elijah asked that. And he was fresh off a great victory at Carmel! It's hard to believe 1 Kings 18 and 19 are connected. Vulnerable and frightened, he suffered the low tide that often follows victory, perhaps the cruelest dart of the devil's quiver.

Is that all ... is that all there is to vision?

Paul asked that. Having taken gigantic strides into the vast regions of Asia, he was caught at low tide. He freely admits this to his friends at Corinth: "For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life" (2 Corinthians 1:8).

Is that all ... is that all there is to valor?

David asked that when, after proving himself a dedicated warrior, unmatched for bravery in Israel's ranks, he was forced to flee from Saul. Reeling in fear and despair, David even disguised himself as insane before the king of Gath. The once-exalted warrior now "scribbled on the doors of the gate, and let his saliva run down into his beard" (1 Samuel 21:13).

Low tide ... how painful yet how essential. Without it, we cannot have high tide. Without it, there would be no need for Elishas to minister to victoryless Elijahs ... no need for visionaries to fall in dependence on their faces before God ... no need for the valiant to be reminded of their Source of strength.

Is that all ... is that all there is to low tides?

No, there is more, much more, most of which can never be described ... only discovered.

When it seems like that's all there is, remember all you have in Him.

~Charles Swindoll~