Today’s title is not referring to when I’m strapped into my dentist’s chair. With my mouth hanging wide open, this masked man, who holds a terrifying drill aimed at my sensitive teeth, seeks to prod, poke, puncture, and perforate my dental troubles. No, that’s not what I mean.

Rather, it’s when you feel somewhat blah and blue, down in the proverbial dumps. When life throws a curveball, and you feel like you’ve struck out more than Babe Ruth, know that such is life on this other side of Eden. It’s the human condition, starting with Adam and Eve and everyone else ever since.

After all, we live on a globe where sin permeates everything. A fallen world will trip us up rather easily, making us prone to feeling a tad down in the mouth. I fall into that trap, feeling sorry for myself. Overly sensitive to other’s unsavory comments, yet I’m possibly less so to others’ feelings as I, clueless, slice and dice with my razor-sharp humor.

But the Lord has good medicine for us. Where? Of course, in your Bible. For today not in the Psalms, the Gospels, or some very familiar verse, but tucked away in the Old Testament, in the book of Isaiah.

So, grab your Bible and turn to Isaiah 43: 4–‘Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…’ Only a few words–‘precious…honored…loved.’ That should lift your day, shouldn’t it? Did mine.

Better than winning the lottery? Most wouldn’t think so. But, oy vey, what I’ve heard about the fate of unlucky-in-life lottery winners. Usually not good but, of course, I’d be different. I could handle all the begging from friends, family, and strangers. You think so, Fischer? Hmm. Maybe not. But you’ll never know since I’ve never bought one measly sweepstake lotto ticket with no intention of starting any time soon.

So hear God’s Word. He means what He says. Every jot and tittle. Chew on and digest each word and thought. It comes from Our Lord God to you and me. When downtimes hit, and they will, why not hit back with Isaiah 43: 4–‘Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…’ Again–precious…honored…loved.’

Get it? Then use it as a weapon, fighting back those inevitable blahs and blues. Keep repeating it until it sinks in. Try it on for size. You look great! You’ll like being precious and honored and loved. I do!

Thank you, Lord, for how good you are to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.