Have you ever struggled with the ups and downs of life?  Yes – the ups and downs can be like a roller-coaster.  One day you feel great, and the next day you wallow.

On the days you’re feeling down, wouldn’t it be great to know an easy way to overcome these times?   What if keeping your eyes focused straight ahead – on God – could be the answer?  Let’s see how one of the most famous people in all of history stayed level – no matter how far down he sank.  His name was King David. . .

Many people think of King David as a gentle shepherd boy, the courageous slayer of Goliath, the mighty king, or the poetic writer of the Psalms.  David’s story is one that many see as an idyllic, top of the world kind of life.

But when we look further, we know as a shepherd, David killed both a bear and a lion.  I can only imagine the downside of the many long, lonely and dark nights that the boy David spent alone in the wilderness with God and his sheep.

After killing Goliath, David soared to the top as national hero.  Only a few years later, the rollercoaster of life soared downward when a vexed King Saul threw a spear at David, then sent his army after the fleeing David who was forced to live amidst his Philistine enemies, then live in caves in the desert just to survive.

After Saul was killed in battle David seemed to be back on top as the new King, until we learn that it took seven years of turmoil before the entire nation of Israel united under him.  No wonder Psalms talks so much about the enemies and liars who literally tried to destroy David.

What a life of ups, downs and back up to the top. . . But wait, here comes another slide down as the now powerful King commits adultery with Bathsheba, then kills her husband Uriah in an effort to cover it up.  Stricken with remorse he wrote, “For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.” Psalm 51:3 NIV.  Imagine David’s anguish.

A few years later, David’s son, Absalom, killed David’s first son, Amnon for having raped their sister.  Then in the midst of this dysfunction, Absalom tried to make a coup, and chased David back to into the caves in the desert.  And we can only imagine David’s despair when he learned of Absalom’s death and cried, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” 2 Samuel 19:4

David’s life was filled with ups and glory along with despair and downs – probably just like your life and mine.  It was through both soaring and sorrow that David was able to write such sweet songs to God.  Songs we call Psalms.  Psalms that understand the ups and downs we face in life.

God wants you to know that he celebrates life’s victories with you!  But when you are down, God does even more if you’ll let him.  He wants to hold you in his arms, and comfort you with his words.  He’s calling you right now!