We all have had close calls of one sort or another. When I think of some foolish things I did as a child and youth, I shudder! Only the Lord knows how many times His providential care kept me from disaster or even death. Too many times, only a fraction of a second has kept us out of serious auto accidents. There are, however, even more dangerous and costly close calls than those which can cause physical harm.
Asaph had a close call when he almost became bitter toward God. In Psalm 73, he wrote, "But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped." His mind was full of question marks! He was a moral and kind man. He sacrificially served the Lord. Yet, he was poor. Asaph's neighbor was stingy, nasty, and had no regard for spiritual things, yet he had abundance. Asaph began to wonder if it was worth it serving the Lord. Why did all the good happen to his wicked neighbor and bad things happen to himself?
He could not understand God. When we begin the Christian life, we have difficulty understanding others. As we grow in grace and continue our life with Christ, we have difficulty understanding ourselves. As we mature in our walk with the Lord, our difficulty is in understanding God. Although God's ways may be a mystery to us, we must never stop trusting or loving Him! Asaph almost became bitter when he was envious of the wicked. But he came to his senses and saw that the end of the wicked was judgement, while his own end was glory.
In Psalm 119:81-88, the poet again faces adversity. His soul is fainting and he needs comfort. He calls himself a "bottle in the smoke." He is under the pressure of oppression, and describes himself as "almost consumed." This poor man is on the verge of giving up. His troubles were so burdensome he could not go on. Asaph, however, knew the secret of overcoming his attitude of defeatism. In spite of discouragement, he continued to live in, love, and obey the Word of God. He said, "yet do I not forget thy statutes," "All thy commandments are faithful," "I forsook not thy precepts," and "I hope in thy word."
Persistence in the Word of God and confidence in the Lord's goodness are the best weapons against discouragement and depression. Isaiah said, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee." While in the throes of despair, David said, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Drawing himself to God through His blessed Word kept Asaph from giving up. It can do the same for us today.
In Acts chapter 26, King Agrippa had an almost experience. Paul's testimony of Christ's grace and transforming power stirred Agrippa. The King replied to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." How sad that Agrippa did not receive Christ, have his sins forgiven, and receive the gift of eternal life! If you do not know Christ as your Savior from sin, trust Him and Him alone, today. Avoid the "almost" experience of Agrippa.