Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
For purposes of this study the term “Down and out” refers to feelings or situations where a person might feel mentally, emotionally, and physically drained, to the point where one could be sapped of the will to live, and destitute of the ways and means to pick up oneself from adverse situations.
It would also refer to becoming destitute of energy, hope, resources and drive, and where darkness and discouragement loom large in one’s mind, causing persons to have a foreboding outlook on life or even suicidal thoughts.
One of the facts of life that as Christians we must be reconciled to, is that there will be times in our lives, when we might feel down and out, where hope and courage to move forward, seems elusive, and when we may feel like giving up on life, and on God.
How we deal with such feelings and how we handle such situations can determine whether we would be victorious in the battles of life, or whether we would sink down into oblivion. The purpose of the study is to highlight some of the ways and means which are given in the Bible to deal with such circumstances, and also the pitfalls we should avoid, when feeling down and out.
Most of those, if not all those who trust in God have encountered periods of turbulence, where clouds of despair have overshadowed their lives. Christians do have sunny days as well as rainy days, we may have mountaintop experiences and at times we may have valley experiences.
The vicissitudes of our lives are not any indication that God has forgotten about of us, nor are the ups and downs, or disappointments, reasons for us to believe that His good purposes for persons will not be fulfilled in due season. The varied experiences a person goes through when trusting God, are almost always geared towards character development.
Faith is not always about feeling good, it is about us trusting the goodness of God in good times and bad. There were times when Abraham and Sarah did not feel good, Joseph cried like a child, as he was being taken to Egypt as a slave, and David was hunted like a fugitive to the point where on occasions he would believe it was just a matter of time before he would be killed by king Saul.
The disciples were bitterly disappointed when Jesus was captured by the mob, and Job endured multiple assaults from the enemy of souls, and if we were to ask him, he would tell us that he didn’t feel good as he passed through his valley experiences.
Even Jesus, our Great Exemplar was at times bowed down with depression and discouragement, and He was moved to utter those words: “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me? The fact is that God has never ever left one saint who believed in Him. He is always there, He is always near, and He guards us as the apple of His eye.
Therefore, faith in God should never be based upon feelings, for feelings change, and fluctuate, but God does not. In fact, the only constant in the Christian’s life is The God factor, and if persons were to hang in there, staying the course with Jesus, we would often see His wisdom, guidance, and good purposes at the latter end.
Thus, wherever we can, we should avoid harboring thoughts of giving up, for that is what the adversary wants us to do. When you may have run out words to say, and prayers to pray, still hang in there, for it is the promises and assurances that God is with us, which give the impetus to keep us moving forward.
And we must always bear in mind that feeling down and out applies equally to Christians as well as those persons who may not believe in God, with the main difference being that the Christian has God, at his or her back. Christians might not always feel good, but they are always better off with God. Always.
Satan does not leave a person alone just because an individual does not believe in Jesus. The devil would harass and bother saints, popes and evildoers in the same breath, and those who sit on the fence are fair game as far as he is concerned.
Atheists and witches are also not exempt from such harassment, just because they might side with him, for those who side with him are also mown down in cold blood, the same as Christians, if and when he is permitted to do so. Let’s read:
Isaiah 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how are you cut down to the ground which didst weaken the nations!
18 All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, everyone in his own house.
20 Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land, and slain thy people: the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned.
Thus, at the end of the day when everything shakes out, after all of the down and out feelings have been experienced and after all of the discouragement and depression one may have gone through, it would be discovered that persons were always better off with God. Always!
Our opening passage is lifted from the experiences of Paul and other prisoners who were sailing on to Rome, under the jurisdiction of a centurion. Several lessons can be deduced from what then transpired over the course of several days, and which ended in their ship running aground, and they, having a close call with death, and feeling down and out.
We will take a look at how the experiences unfolded and we would observe some of the pitfalls to avoid, then we will address the remedies and counsels that are given in the Bible, to weather the down and out feelings, whenever and wherever they might occur. Let’s read:
Acts 27:1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished {Counseled} them, 10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
Lesson # [1]
There are times when down and out feelings are the result of disregarding godly counsel especially when it comes from a person who is known to be a God-ordained prophet. In this case, Paul was well known to be an ordained servant of God, but as is too often the case, folks often give such counsel little or no weight.
The counsels given by God through His prophets are never meant to be assessed as one opinion amongst many. Where counsel is given to specific individuals, on specific matters, it should be viewed as not only being the best way to move forward, it ought to be the only way under consideration. Let’s read:
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Lesson [2]
Acts 27: 11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
Whenever the counsel of God conflicts with counsel coming from men, the latter should be dismissed in favor of the former. We will discover more and more that the experts in our day, are too often diabolically opposed to the what is written in the scriptures.
On a wide array of topics, ranging from marriage, to health, from gender issues to monetary concerns, it is very often the case that experts who may not fear God, will give advice that puts persons in a place, or situation which God never intended and this in turn can result in persons feeling down and out.
Lesson # [3]
Acts 27:14 But not long after, there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
When a person is feeling down and out the situation might be so complicated and adverse that it may be best to just let things shake out on their own. In the current situation with Paul and the other sailors, it would be worthless trying to steer the ship through such treacherous winds and waves.
Thus, rather than try to fight against an impossible situation for the moment, they decide that it would be best to just leave things alone for a while. That is not to say that the ship will correct itself, it’s just the prudent thing to do, so as to buy them some time for a more favorable resolution.
In our life experiences, there are certain situations which only God can fix, and there are times when an adverse circumstance is best left alone, so that God can do what He does best. If Paul and the other sailors had tried to fight against the contrary winds, they likely would have ended up in a worse situation than if they had left the ship alone in God’s hands.
Lesson # [4]
Acts 27: 30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
This one is huge, and we must not let it escape, for there are times when we are feeling down and out, that we would be severely tempted to bail on God. This would require a firm decision by persons, that come what may, we will not throw in the towel and turn our backs on God, for it’s only He that can help us in our adverse situation.
The sailors in Paul’s case were attempting to flee in a life boat, but they were really going to jump from the frying pan into the fire. As Christians, there are times when we may be tempted to flee from Christ in or own little lifeboat.
Things might not be going well at all in the church, and our lives may be in disarray, but never should folks abandon the ship, for if we do, as Paul rightly States “Except these abide in the ship, you cannot be saved”
Lesson # [5]
Acts 27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
At this point those sailors have all but given up hope of survival, for in their finite vision they could see no way out of their predicament, and because of this, it now seems feasible for them to flee. There is always a way out. Always.
Devils may tempt you to believe that you are stuck between a rock and a hard place, without no way of escape, but God would have us to understand, that with every adverse situation, and with every bout of down and out feelings, a way of escape has already been made. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 10:13 There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Proverbs 18: 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous run into it, and are safe.
Lesson # [6]
Acts 27: 33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take some food, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to eat some food: for this is for your health: for there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and
when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some food.
There are times when a person is feeling down and out, that they might lose their appetite for food, for worry and depression can in some instances squelch one’s desire to eat. Different people react differently to depression for whereas some may revert to binge eating, others might be prone to starve themselves, as was the case with the sailors in question.
But focusing and worrying too much on problems is known to consume a lot of valuable mental energy, and if it is the case that persons refuse to eat, they can often compromise their ability to think clearly, because the brain needs food just like the rest of the body.
In fact, worrying about situations that persons can do nothing about, is one of the most futile things a person can do, for it not only drains vitality, energy, desire, and drive; in the overwhelming majority of cases, it is counter-productive. The sailors on board that doomed vessel worried, and worried, and they worried yet at the end the ship still ran aground and it was broken to pieces.
At this juncture we must make a surgical intrusion into the issue of fasting for an extended period of time, when trying to resolve problems that need to be addressed. The Bible does not encourage folks to worry about things they cannot change, for doing so is hardly ever productive of good. Let’s read:
Matthew 6:27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Neither does God encourage long periods of fasting that last forty or more days, for doing so may open the door for the devil to tempt persons in unusual ways. Excessive fasting without any food or drink for weeks on end is never in the best interest of anyone except Christ, who did that to break the power of appetite on the human family.
But having done so, it is no longer necessary. What Christ did for us in the wilderness does not need to be duplicated or matched by any saint, for He has already done what needed to be done in our behalf. That is not to say that we should never fast, but we should exercise wisdom and prudence when doing so. Let’s read:
1st Corinthians 7: 5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
[Counsels on diets and foods pp 189] All the fasting in the world will not take the place of simple trust in the word of God. “Ask,” He says, “and you shall receive.” You are not called upon to fast forty days.
The Lord bore that fast for you in the wilderness of temptation. There would be no virtue in such a fast; but there is virtue in the blood of Christ. The spirit of true fasting and prayer is the spirit which yields mind, heart, and will to God.
In other words, when you’re feeling down and out, make certain you eat some food at the appropriate times, and if one decides to fast, let it be done with discretion. And now we turn to the main course of the study, in which we would focus on the scriptural instructions given to help us when we are feeling down and out.
Hannah was feeling down and out, as a result of her not being able to bear children. Back in those days it was considered by people to be a sort of curse, and the woman who could not have children was often stigmatized, hence the reason why you find Hagar making fun of Sarah, who had not borne a child as yet.
A similar situation had unfolded in the household of Elkanah, Hannah’s husband who had two wives, one of which produced children whilst the other did not. Thus, year after year had gone by, with no sign of a child, and over a period of time Hannah became depressed.
Thus, we will extract from her experiences what can be done in a situation where it may seem to a finite mind as if nothing can be done to change outcomes. As we stated emphatically before, there is always a way of escape, and thus, the following statements are certified in scripture, as being some of the ways and means to be adopted when one is feeling down and out.
[1] Do not stop going to church just because you are feeling down and out.
Hannah was feeling down and out, indeed, she felt like crap, but someway, somehow, she continued to go to church. When you are feeling down and out, it will be discovered that one of the best things that a person can do is to continue going to church, for in many instances, it’s only God that can help us. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 1:1 Now there was a certain man of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah.
2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh.
Iron sharpens iron, and fellowship with the saints is often therapeutic to the soul that is bowed down with worry, depression and anxiety. In fact, singing, praise, and thanksgiving together with sacred music, has the potential to put evil spirits into reverse gear, according to the Bible.
But if persons seclude or ostracize themselves from the assembly of the saints, it can produce opposite effects. When the multitude of saints begin to sing and praise God it often sends devils into panic mode and very often, they are forced into retreating since the atmosphere of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer really bothers them a lot.
This is evident from the scriptures, even with Saul who had no good intentions. For the evil spirit to get up and leave him, even though he was on their side, speaks volumes to the power of praise. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 16:23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, David took an harp and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.
1st Samuel 19: 20 And Saul sent messengers to take David: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samuel standing as appointed over them, the Spirit of God was upon the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied.
21 And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they prophesied also.
23 And he went thither to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God was upon him also, and he went on, and prophesied, until he came to Naioth in Ramah.
[Patriarchs And Prophets pp 653>654] Saul then decided that he himself would go, for his fierce enmity had become uncontrollable. He was determined to wait for no further chance to kill David; as soon as he should come within reach of him, he intended with his own hand to slay him, whatever might be the consequences.
But an angel of God met him on the way and controlled him. The Spirit of God held him in Its power, and he went forward uttering prayers to God, interspersed with predictions and sacred melodies. He prophesied of the coming Messiah as the world's Redeemer.
Psalms 16: 8 I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.
Lesson # [2] Hannah prayed in bitterness of soul.
1st Samuel 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
If one is feeling down and out and may feel as if God hasn’t answered as yet, it is okay for such a person to pray in “bitterness” of soul. Praying in bitterness of soul comes from the heart, and occurs when the person pours out their innermost and their deepest concerns to God without being socially, or politically correct.
Praying in bitterness of soul is not usually cute, nor do the words always come out right. When Hannah prayed, in the sanctuary, no words escaped her lips, and to the casual onlooker it was more of a mumble jumble than a prayer.
But that’s alright with God, for He sees what man cannot see, and even if a person may not be able to express themselves intelligently, God understands the language of the soul as no mortal can, and He often responds in the positive as mortals can’t. Let’s read:
1st Samuel 1: 13 Now Hannah, she spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore, Eli thought she had been drunken.
14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
[3] Hannah made vows.
1st Samuel 1:11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
When feeling down and out, it may just be the right time to recommit oneself fully to God. It does not necessarily mean that a person was not committed before, but if there is a need and desire for a closer, more meaningful relationship with God, then one can do so, while in the depths of despair.
There are times in our walk with God when adverse circumstances bring us to our knees, and it is true, that when persons have reached rock bottom, the only way out should be up.
At such times, persons often discover that God was very near to them in their adversity, because there is something about being down and out that drives the human agent to the foot of the cross, as the last resort and the only way out.
While it is true that we should not wait until we are in the depths of despair to seek The Lord, if we do, when hedged in on every side with perplexity, and sickness, and distress, God is more than willing to hear, for He specializes in saving to the guttermost.
Job sought God earnestly in the sunnier days of his prosperity, and that was all well and good, but Job was moved to pray in bitterness of soul when his world got turned upside down. In other words, Job sought his God in good times and bad, for he had formed the habit of doing so, and so should we.
Difficulties and trials we may have, adversities and perplexities may be our lot for a while, but in it and through it all, God watches over us to make certain that the fires of affliction do not consume us, but cleanse, where cleansing is needed. Let’s read:
[Prophets And Kings pp 59] God is fully able to keep us in the world, but we are not to be of the world. His love is not uncertain and fluctuating. Ever He watches over His children with a care that is measureless. But He requires undivided allegiance.
Like Hannah, we should not forsake the assembly of the saints, and we can, and should pray in bitterness of soul when facing seemingly impossible situations.
Like Paul we can be calm in tribulation, looking to God as the only One Who can help us when we are feeling down and out, and like the sailors we could, and should eat some food, knowing that worrying over things we cannot change, does not accomplish anything.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which should help us to navigate down and out feelings, if and whenever they may occur. Let’s read:
Jeremiah 29: 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
12 Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.
13 And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.
God Bless!