You Can't Keep A Good Man Down!

(This article was first published in the Swazi Gospel Sun, Nov 13 -Nov 26, 2010)

There is a popular saying that goes, ‘You can’t keep a good man down’. As I am writing this piece I am reflecting on the words by the great Psalmist, King David I read last night saying, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)..

It is very saddening to see someone going down, deep down into troubles. It is even worse when you cannot figure out how you can help this person get back to the top. Getting in a difficult situation sometimes is inevitable and most of the time is avoidable. However, the most crucial step is what you decide to do when you find yourself in that situation.

The greatest mistake we make is that we tend to run away from God instead of running back to Him. We tend to think that we got ourselves in this situation and therefore we will get ourselves out. We tend to convince ourselves that we will deal with it in our own way. We forget that God can deliver us from whatever situation. That is the fastest way to drive ourselves further into the quagmire.

On the other side of the coin, there are times when we find ourselves in sticky situations not because of our own doing. It might be the environment around us or people who are all out to ensure that we do not succeed in whatever we are doing. Let us face it, we are living in a world where people find pleasure in seeing other people disheartened and frustrated. You better understand that is what makes gossip news so sweet for them!

One of the most encouraging stories I have read in the Bible is the story of Elijah when he fled from Jezebel. Most of us know the story of Elijah and how he killed the prophets of Baal after demonstrating how the God we serve is great. Jezebel was not pleased at all and vowed to kill the prophet of God.

“Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.” (1 Kings 19: 3-5).

Elijah had come to a point where he felt ‘enough is enough’. He did not see the reason for living and was greatly discouraged. Even though he stood firm and represented God’s kingdom in a hostile environment, the troubles were not coming to an end. I know some people are feeling the same. They are asking, “Why me Lord?” Do not be afraid, God is watching over you.

As you read the story of Elijah, God sent an angel to Elijah while he was sleeping and gave him some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. Elijah ate and drank before going back to sleep again. Remember, Elijah had been running away from Jezebel for a day’s journey (estimated to be between 32 to 40 kilometers); obviously he was hungry and tired. God provided for his needs contrary to what Elijah had prayed and asked for. Elijah was acting on his feelings, his emotions but the good Lord knew exactly what he needed at that particular time!

Although he was down, Elijah, a good man of God was not out. God was holding his hand throughout the situation. When he did not have the strength to go on, God was there to pull his hand. You can’t keep a good man down!

“The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.” (1 Kings 19: 7-8)

My dear friend, it does not matter how many problems you are facing God will give you the strength to rise above them. Elijah found himself in a very disheartening situation. The Israelite had rejected God’s covenant, God’s altars had been destroyed, God’s prophets had been killed, he was the only one left and his life was sought after. However, God was with him throughout these circumstances.

The Apostle Paul writes in the Epistle to the Philippians that whatever happens let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All you have to do is to turn to God and remain faithful to Him. David says “Trust in the LORD, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” (Psalm 37:3).

When you are in that dark corner and you have given up on life, just run back to God, He is good and always ready to forgive. His mercy is abundant to those who call upon His name. When the enemy is laughing you cannot be shaken because you know a good man cannot be put down.

Today stand up and say, “Do not rejoice over me, my enemy; when I fall, I will arise; when I sit in darkness, The LORD will be a light to me” (Micah 7:8).

A good person is the one who trust in the Lord all the time and ensures that he/she walks according to the will of God. Get up and eat, for the journey is too great for you! We have the Word of God that we can feed on to gain strength. Whatever happens, just remind the enemy that ‘you can’t keep a good man down!’

*All scripture quoted from the New King James Version unless stated otherwise