"Stuck"

Are you stuck in someplace boggy,

Can’t get your own self out,

Like some steer down in quicksand,

And needs some help, no doubt.

I’ve seen ‘em put their head down,

Get this look deep in their eye,

So tired that they will give up,

And lay there till they die.

And maybe that’s where you are,

Or not that so far gone,

Maybe you’ve been prayin’,

That help will come along.

I remember gettin’ muddy,

And taking down a rope,

And draggin and a-pullin’,

Till we gave the steer some hope.

And that’s just what the Lord does,

When He finds us in that place,

His strands of love surround us,

There’s compassion on His face.

And no slough can ever hold us,

When He begins to pull,

Clean out His love enfolds us,

His Spirit makes us full.

So don’t give up, my brother,

Though you feel so far down,

The Lord has never left you,

Just listen for the sound,

Of God’s horses to the rescue,

And angels’ wings astir,

The power of the Spirit,

And up and out, yessir.

And you will look back on it,

And thankfully you’ll say,

To others in the miry pit,

God’s help is on the way.

“He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire…” (Ps. 40:2, NLT)

How far down is too far? Good question, don’t you think, and not easily answered. Many have written others off, only to be surprised when God delivered them. I’ve seen people who were absolutely overrun with sin and addiction get completely healed and delivered. I’ve seen others continue to struggle day in and day out for years. So, what’s the difference. It can’t be on God’s side of things. He is faithful to come through, on time every time. So the difference must be in us. It’s about how we respond to the grace He offers. And what attitude is required to get there and stay there? Simply put: humility. If we walk in humility and make ourselves accountable to spiritual leadership we will find a way forward.

Lord, lift us up and help us to walk, in Jesus name.

Art by Wayne Justus, used by permission. Thanks, Wayne, and God bless you.