Tired and Punch Drunk

“It is one thing to love the ways of the Lord when all is fair, and quite another to hold to them in the face of discouragements and difficulties. The kiss of outward profession is very cheap and easy, but the practical clinging to the Lord, which must show itself in holy devotion to truth and holiness, is no small matter.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Boy, did I need to hear that message today, Mr. Spurgeon!

I will spare you most of the details, but what was supposed to be a day spent working in my office spaced around two doctors’ visits (one for me and one for my mother) and one speaking engagement, turned out to be something quite different.

It all began with a bout of vertigo, compliments of my Meniere’s disease, around 7:00 AM that resulted in me vomiting multiple times before heading back to bed for an hour or so. Then came the two doctors’ visits followed by a six-hour ordeal in the emergency room for another relative that caused me to miss my speaking engagement (the fill-in did just fine).

Arriving back home, I gulped down my first meal in 12 hours and then headed to the computer to type out this devotional message, which will be sent out roughly 30 minutes later than usual. Once I finish that task, it will be on to the other work that got overlooked during the day, meaning that my normal bedtime will also get pushed back a few hours.

But do you know what? I am thankful that God has seen me through this day so far and am confident that He will likewise carry me through to its conclusion… whenever that turns out to be. And maybe because I am more than a little tired and “punch drunk,” I am actually finding humor in much of what transpired today.

As the “Prince of Preachers” said in today’s quote, it’s easy to smile and be cheerful when things are rosy. Where “the rubber meets the road” is when things head south for a day, a week, or sometimes longer.

“I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need.” Philippians 4:11-12 (BSB)

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 2 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NKJV)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President