“Sometimes I feel… sometimes I feel… like I been tied to the whippin’ post, tied to the whippin post… TIED to the whippin’ post. Good Lord I feel like I’m dyin’!“
Some of you may remember the lines above are lyrics from an old Allman Brothers song. I don’t endorse all the sentiments found in the song, but there are times when I completely understand the “hook.” This morning was one of those times. After several days without a good night’s sleep and waking up with the same nagging pain in my right shoulder… and… and, well, you know. That dark feeling comes upon you when you find yourself in distress, in pain, in the extended aggravations of life, etc. It wears on you, saved or not. OH MY… did he say that out loud?
Yes, even the redeemed of the Lord can get down and out in their fleshly temples. Those pretending that they are always walking on clouds filled with puppy dogs, rose petals, and butterflies are, how shall we say it… pretending. I will admit that there is likely a “sweet spot” within our outward interactions with the world we live in. I think most of us strive to be in that middle position, between those who are always complaining about everything and those who are obviously gushing with false positivity. Oh wretched man that I am (Rom 7:24), I long for the middle position… stable, spiritually calm, content with the circumstances I find myself living with at the moment. Bro. Paul the Apostle had some divine commentary about that very thing. I’ll reference it below.
So, I sit here drinking my coffee and thanking my God that I have Jesus as my Savior and brother. If it weren’t for Him, I am not sure I would have survived long enough to write this little post and bare my soul – just a little. That comment is not a veiled suggestion about the here and now, rather a reference to the totality of my life. I am sure many who read this can relate. Even those of us who are saved and fortunate enough to live in a free nation can struggle with the flesh. This is especially true for those of us who are more right-side-brained than left. Our creativity and passion sometimes feels like walking through a field of landmines. Well, that’s enough of that… now, for that reference by our brother, Paul.
Let the scripture speak:
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:11-13
