The clown’s performance brought jeers and cheers as he rode the circus ring on his tiny tricycle, running over the exaggerated shoes of other clowns. A well-orchestrated crash sent him flying over the tricycle handlebars into a heap, only to be greeted with the crowd cheering as he got what he deserved. There may be something funny in the downfall of an arrogant, puffed-up clown, but the fall of the arrogant can be severe and painful in everyday life.

It may involve the loss of family, the trauma of broken friendships, loss of job and deep shame. Depression that often leads to despair can set in and we may cry like David, “My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear” and “all day long I go about mourning”, Psalm 38.

But God loves us and restores those who turn to Him in faith and repentance, accepting His Son Jesus Christ. He forgives and washes our sins away. We may be faced with difficult consequences but He instructs us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand and He will lift us up. In the humility of a prayerful and obedient relationship with Him we experience an “inner lift” that brings a full measure of gladness and joy. However, if we get too big for our tricycle we will surely fall.

Pastor Greg Brownell

United Brethren Church

Dayton