0256. DOWN IN THE DUMPS.

DOWN IN THE DUMPS.

"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising." (Psa_139:2).

This is a marvellous Psalm, describing, as far as human language can, the wonderful omniscience of God. Nothing is hidden from Him-all is open to His gaze. Even when I sit down, and when I rise up, He knows. I cannot so much as take a seat or leave it without that action being known and marked by Him.

Surely this forms a cure for the malady known as "Down in the dumps!" This is a phrase that puzzles some. "Down in the Bumps" is a phrenological expression we could understand. "Down on Dumping" is a political phrase. "Down on Mumps" all mothers are. But what about "Dumps?" "Dumps" is an English word for dullness or gloominess of mind. Really "Dumpish" should be the word. "Down on the Dumps" really is the correct phrase.

It is another word for depression. "Down in the Dumps" is a general complaint, and is very infectious. Others can catch the complaint from us, and that is one of its perils. We really should put on a cheerful look, even when our hearts be heavy as lead, for the sake of others. Note how the depression of the spies led to Israel’s sin of rebellion to the Lord’s express commands.

Let this thought grip up: For every downsitting there may be an uprising! That the tide changes, not only when it is on the flood, but also when at tne ebb. Is it ebb tide in your affairs at the present? Well, the tide, by God’s blessing, will soon turn in your favour.

Autor: James Smith