Morning Devotional
July 25, 2005
"Down in the Dumps" (Part 2)     
    by Don Emmitte

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told the people about me here in Jerusalem, you must preach the Good News in Rome." (Acts 23:11 NLT).

 

I want to use the same verse again as yesterday, because I want to illustrate something else about Paul’s predicament. It seems almost strange to me that Paul had to face all the discouragement before the people trying to destroy him apparently alone, with no one to help him. I realize God was always watching over him, and I know that we never leave God’s filter of protection, but notice that Paul’s encouragement didn’t come during the trial, but later that night. It almost appears as I read the passage that Jesus came to encourage Paul at just the last moment, right before Paul gave up all hope.

 

I have to ask myself a question. Why? Why would God allow Paul to suffer through the trial without speaking a word of truth to Him in the middle of the trial? When Paul stood up to his accusers, why would God not speak a gentle whisper into his ear, “Paul, don’t let them get to you buddy! You’re going to be okay. I’m taking care of everything”? Why couldn’t Paul hear that encouragement then, when it seemed that he needed it most? Instead, Jesus doesn’t appear to Paul until he’s gone to bed that night.

 

I’m not going to pretend to know all the answers to those questions, but I do think it is important to observe the principle, because I have seen it repeated in my life. There are times when life is so desperate and I can’t seem to go on any longer and suddenly God appears with a truth that encourages me to continue. I see that same principle displayed throughout the Bible, in the lives of men like Joseph, David, Moses and others.

 

Perhaps God is using these silent times to strengthen our faith. Maybe sometimes our attention is elsewhere and we will not hear God. Maybe He wants us to quit worrying and simply trust in Him. I’m not sure, but I think knowing this principle may help me at least one way. I know during the trials of life, when I can’t see or tell what God is doing, that He is still there, and in His perfect timing, He will speak His truth and encouragement to me again. In the meantime, my job is to simply walk by faith. Perhaps this is one of those silent times for you. Try the following prayer from Augustine of Hippo:

 

Give me yourself, O my God, give yourself to me. Behold I love you, and if my love is too weak a thing, grant me to love you more strongly. I cannot measure my love to know how much it falls short of being sufficient, but let my soul hasten to your embrace and never be turned away until it is hidden in the secret shelter of your presence. This only do I know, that it is not good for me when you are not with me, when you are only outside me. I want you in my very self. All the plenty in the world, which is not my God is utter want. Amen.