Just When Your Day Can’t Get Any Worse

Ever had one of those days when things just couldn’t get any worse, but they do? Things go wrong at home; then they are compounded by problems at work; only to be superseded by some dreadful news about another catastrophe within the family. These are those times when it seems to just continue to pile up until all you want to do is run and hide—just get me out of this mess, Lord!

David and his fighting men had been engaged in battle alongside the Philistine warriors. However, the commanders were unsure of his loyalty so they sent him and his men back home to Ziklag rather than allowing them to fight in the next battle. The Bible tells us: “David and his men arrived in Ziklag on the third day. The Amalekites had raided the Negev and attacked and burned down Ziklag. They also had kidnapped the women and everyone in it from the youngest to the oldest. They had killed no one but had carried them off as they went on their way. When David and his men arrived at the town, they found it burned down. Their wives, sons, and daughters had been kidnapped” (1 Samuel 30:1-3 HCSB).

Just when David didn’t think his day could get any worse, he arrives back home to discover his home town burned down and all the wives and children had been kidnapped. But, it even got worse for the Bible says: “David was in a difficult position because the troops talked about stoning him, for they were all very bitter over the loss of their sons and daughters” (v. 6). Those who had been closest to him now talked of killing him.

What do you do in such a difficult situation? How do you survive and overcome? How do you break free? How do you find peace and a sense of security in the midst of mounting difficulties? The Bible gives us the only viable solution as we read: “David found strength in the Lord his God” (v. 6).

As his troubles continued to mount, David understood the ROCK upon which he could stand and it was there that his world would not be shaken. In the midst of chaos and confusion, trials and troubles, growing persecution and overwhelming complications, JESUS is the ROCK, Jesus is the SHELTER, Jesus is the DELIVERER who will carry you through to victory.

While we are not promised a life exempt from problems and difficulties, we are promised that “those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31). There is no need to be overwhelmed by your mounting problems because the One who loves you will see you through to victory.

We are promised that “the LORD is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8). No matter how difficult your struggles may appear, the LORD promises to be right there beside you all the way. Even when He appears to be silent even absent, be at peace knowing that He remains right there ready to respond on your behalf at your moment of deepest need.

The Bible tells us: “David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken; he also rescued his two wives. Nothing of theirs was missing from the youngest to the oldest, including the sons and daughters, of all the plunder the Amalekites had taken. David got everything back” (vv. 18-19). While it definitely wasn’t the way David and his men would have liked for things to go, GOD ultimately showed up and strengthened their faith by giving them an overwhelming victory.

Things may not look real good for you right now? You may be facing enormous struggles and difficulties but trust that GOD will be there for you. He will show up when your strength begins to waver. His overwhelming power and might will manifest itself for you and He will carry you through to victory. When you think things just can’t get any worse, it’s a really good time to quit looking at the growing problems and focus upon the One who has the answers!

Scripture Reading: “My heart is confident, God; I will sing; I will sing praises with the whole of my being. Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn. I will praise You, Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations. For Your faithful love is higher than the heavens; Your faithfulness reaches the clouds. God, be exalted above the heavens; let Your glory be over the whole earth. Save with Your right hand and answer me so that those You love may be rescued. God has spoken in His sanctuary: “I will triumph! I will divide up Shechem. I will apportion the Valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine, and Ephraim is My helmet; Judah is My scepter. Moab is My washbasin; on Edom I throw My sandal. Over Philistia I shout in triumph.” Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? Have You not rejected us, God? God, You do not march out with our armies. Give us aid against the foe, for human help is worthless. With God we will perform valiantly; He will trample our foes.” (Psalm 108 HCSB)

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, I am overwhelmed by my problems today. I so need to feel some relief. The enemy has battered me and beat me up. Please rescue me by Your great power. Set me free from these problems so I may dwell in Your peace and comfort. Help me, Lord, to see my struggles as a time for growth and then to utilize that new found growth and strength in my ongoing struggles of life. Help me to recognize that I am an overcomer today because You are my Lord and my GOD! I trust You today with all that I am…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!