My son and I were walking on a concrete pathway along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. After hiking along the path for over a mile we decided to head back. But, on our way back, I noticed that we were now going “uphill.” When we began our hike, I hadn’t even noticed that the pathway was on a gradual “decline,” but I sure did notice the gradual “incline” on the hike back as my heart was beating out of my chest and my lungs gasped for oxygen!
Sometimes in life we don’t recognize the subtleties associated with a downward turn. Momentum gathers as we take the path of least resistance which often leads to depths we weren’t prepared for. The extra effort it would take to regain higher ground seems like too much hard work so we succumb to “lower living.”
The laws of science remind us that the pull of gravity downward is a force to be reckoned with, and can only be overcome with a resisting, opposing force. Did you know that it takes 54 muscles to actively stand up from a seated position, and roughly 300 muscles working in tandem just to maintain your balance and posture once you are standing? But, it doesn’t take any muscular activity to fall … all you have to do to fall is simply release all your muscles. But who wants to fall? Yes, it takes some extra effort to stand but it sure beats falling down!
If you find yourself today in a “low place” I can empathize with you … I’ve been there myself. To overcome that low place, however, a resisting, opposing force must be exerted. Energy and effort must be released to overcome it. Personally, when I’m feeling low, I often find inspiration in the God’s Word to pull me out of my slump. Philippians 3:14 says “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the UPWARD call of God in Christ Jesus.” When I’m tempted to go the path of least resistance I’m reminded of Hebrews 10:39, “But we are not of those who SHRINK BACK and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.” And of course, one scripture that most of us have heard somewhere along the way is Ephesians 6:13 ” Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to STAND your ground, and after you have done everything, to STAND.
There is no shame in admitting that you are in a low place, and the crazy thing is that you may not even be aware of how you got there. But you weren’t created for “low living” so listen to the voice of God as he calls out to you like he did to John on the island of Patmos…”Come UP here….” Rev. 4:1
