Rock bottom
Have you ever hit “rock bottom?”
This past week, a local news station shared a segment on a veteran employed at a non-profit food bank. He’s on the way to recovery after PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) led to drug addiction and years of being homeless. A phrase he used in his interview stuck with me, “I hit rock bottom more than once, but this last time I got on my knees and asked God to help me.”
Scripture tells us the story of Job, who hit rock bottom when a series of tragedies took his entire family, his wealth, and his health. As he sat in his misery, questioning God’s motive in bringing these tragic circumstances upon him, Job’s “friends” offered platitudes and accusations of sin which they declared must be the cause of Job’s misfortunes. Job responded to those men:
“I have become a laughing stock to my friends, though I called on God and he answered–a mere laughing stock, though righteous and blameless. Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.” (Job 12:4-5)
How do we view those who’ve hit rock bottom?
Like Job’s lament indicates, do we have contempt for those in despair?
Some statistics on homeless veterans:
- Between 40,000 and 60,000 veterans are without shelter on any given night.
- 1.4 million veterans are at risk for homelessness.
- Leading causes of veteran homelessness are PTSD, mental illness, unemployment, substance abuse, lack of affordable housing, and lack of health care.
- Veterans account for 11% of the homeless population.
I hit rock bottom…
I’ve been blessed to always have a home, but experienced descent to rock bottom during a marriage crisis many years ago. Brought about by my own selfish and sinful desires, I crashed into despair. Unlike Job, my fall was due to my own actions.
However, like the veteran I describe above, I too, cried out to God and received His loving grace in response. We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), although perhaps not as badly as I did. In his letter to Timothy, Paul writes:
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)
What about you?
Have you hit rock bottom and been rescued by our Lord’s saving grace? Please consider sharing your story to encourage others who may be experiencing despair.
How can we help reduce the homeless crisis among veterans (and others)?
- Continue to pray for all who are homeless.
- Pray for shelters and ministries seeking to help care for our homeless population.
- Demonstrate compassion, rather than blaming the victim. Remember these are God’s precious children.
- If we are able to provide monetary support, seek legitimate organizations to give our donations.
It’s never too late to call out to God–to seek His saving grace.
Like the recovering veteran said, “This time I hit my knees and asked God for help.”
Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. (Isaiah 46:4)
I have been at the bottom of those rocks also, but yes, most of the time due to going my own way. It is sad that so many veterans are in the place of hopelessness. And please forgive my soapbox here, but if the money spent on illegal people coming into this country was spent instead to help the ones who fought for freedom, there would be less veterans on the streets with no place to turn. We all need the gospel of Jesus Christ to show us there is hope and He can turn the darkest night into the brightest day. Thanks for sharing, Katherine.
Barbara, I agree that support for our veterans is woefully inadequate. I hope that we, as concerned citizens, will make our concern known to our legislators and try to get the care for veterans improved. Mental health issues cause our veterans to be particularly vulnerable and funds need to be increased to fund counseling and medical services for those in need. Thank you for your concern for our veterans.
My selfish and prideful sin has definitely led me to hit rock bottom, and this bottom usually regards relationships. Often, it is my relationship with God that is impacted because I wander away, wanting what I want. What a beautiful God we serve Who is always standing by waiting for His sheep to come home. All we have to do is cry out to Him. Thank you for the reminder, Katherine:-)
Me, too, Dawn. My rock bottom crashes have almost always been caused by selfish and sinful desires. It has taken me years to learn to manage my need to be in control. Submission to our Father is the first step. I wish it hadn’t taken me so long, but I’m so grateful that our Father’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness is always there for us when we seek Him. Wishing you a joyful and blessed week.
Yes, I have hit rock bottom in my life. I finally learned to reach out for help. Through prayer, wisdom from professionals that God placed in my life, and sharing with others, I found many blessings from the bottom. God kept His arms open wide and welcomed me back to Him. Great message Katherine.
Thank you for sharing, Melissa, and encouraging us to reach out for help when we need it. Sometimes we are too proud or believe we can solve all our problems. But many problems are too big for us to handle alone. God is always only a prayer away and there are many Christian counselors or mentors for us to reach out to. May God continue to bless your writing journey and your service to Him.
Katherine, several years ago, I wrote a blog post on the same expression. You can find it at https://dianaderringer.com/rock-bottom/. As the veteran said, the answer for all of us when we hit rock bottom is to hit our knees and ask God for help. Blessings.
Thank you for sharing your post focusing on rock bottom. I agree with your point that when we tumble toward rock bottom, it is because of our choices (and I have lived that active fall more than once). As you remind us, the solution is to go to our knees before God. Thank you for adding to our discussion.
Lyme Disease and unemployment have brought me to some pretty low places, but each time God has been there with a hand reaching down to pull me up.
I’m so thankful that God is with us through the trials. How would we survive otherwise? Praying for you, my friend.
I have certainly been down a few times in my life. I’m grateful that God has always held His hand out to lift me up — ready to comfort, forgive, and provide.
The plight of our veterans is heartbreaking. Thank you for shedding light on it.
I’m with you, Connie–thankful that our loving Father is always ready to “comfort, forgive, and provide.” Thank you for sharing your insight. Wishing you a blessed week.
I couldn’t help but think of the words from “On Christ the Solid Rock”. The words are from the chorus, “… all other ground is sinking sand.” For many years, I felt as though my rock bottom was a pit of quicksand because every time I thought my life had hit rock bottom and I’d claw and scratch my way out, the bottom would move and I’d sink deeper the next time. I recognize now that my bottom was moving, but God kept allowing me to sink deeper in the pit of my own making until I realized that His desire was to seek Him and make Him the true foundation for my soul. It was then that I was able to gain the solid footing needed for Him to begin His restorative life within me. Loved the post ma’am; thank you for the blessing.
I’ve been in that quicksand, too, J.D.–fighting for solid ground, but sinking deeper because I was trying to do it all myself, without God. Like you, I only found “Christ the Solid Rock” when I cried out to Him and submitted to His will and guidance. I’m so thankful for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
I’m afraid many don’t have compassion for the homeless in general and am happy to see that “Demonstrate Compassion for the homeless” is number 3 on your list. I suspect that most of the homeless are dealing with some form of mental illness. It’s easy for many to turn their back on them because of the Help Wanted signs all over the place. It’s just not that simple. Thank you for sharing the veteran’s story.
Thank you for your compassion for the homeless and your recognition of the burdens they carry. I pray we can make a difference.
Yes, Katherine, God has most definitely humbled me at rock bottom. As you point out, that’s where we’re most likely to sense our need and turn to Him. As the wife of a veteran, I appreciate your spotlight on these concerns. Blessings!
I’ve hit rock bottom more than once, Annie, so I join you in the humility lesson. I guess the most important thing is for us to repent, learn from the lesson, and seek God’s guidance so we won’t make the same mistake(s) again. Please extend my gratitude to your husband for his service. Wishing you blessings, as well!
Wow. Praying for those experiences their rock bottom especially our veterans. It is heartbreaking. Thanks for bringing the situation to life.
I expect most of us have hit rock bottom at some point in our lives, but our veterans have sacrificed more than the average person, I think. I pray we will find ways to help them cope with the trauma they’ve experienced and we will let them know how much we appreciate their service.
Such a thought-provoking message, Katherine, about hitting rock bottom and those statistics about veterans. I’m not a veteran or ever been homeless, but I also hit rock bottom once when I was much younger, and when I cried out to the Lord He used that time to bring me into His family through the saving grace of Christ.
Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your story. It brings hope to those struggling to hear from “real people” that Christ rescues us when we cry out to Him. I’m so thankful you called to Him in your time of need. Wishing you joy and blessings, my friend.
I’ve been to Rock Bottom. Bought my own ticket there too. Dragged my innocent children with me. You’re right. Up is the only way to look. Only God can get you out. Thanks, Katherine. God bless!
Nancy, your description is so vivid. I felt as if I were with you, although for you, I know it’s a painful memory. Reliving the “rock bottom” misery reminds us (I hope) to stay away from the cliff the next time. I’m certain God used your fall and subsequent travel at rock bottom to nourish you and grow you into the compassionate and caring person you are today, unafraid to face the hard topics in your writing ministry. Thank you and may God continue to bless your service to Him.