“Hope deferred makes the
heart sick, but when dreams come true, there’s life and joy.”- Proverbs 13:12
From our youngest years we
dream of the limitless possibilities, which stretch out before us. Little boys
want to be fire fighters, jet pilots or truck drivers. Young girls dream of
living as a ballerina, a nurse or concert pianist. We often spend a great deal
of time and money pursuing our dreams and we do not always succeed. As we watch
our hope dwindle away, our heart sinks in despair.
Depression often accompanies
the death of a vision. A lost job, a failed relationship, a wayward teen, a
child or mate lost to tragedy or war, disillusionment in the church’s
leadership, frustration with our government or the world situation or our
economy all contribute to depression. We know there is hope in Jesus, but at
times He hides His presence. We struggle to make the connection, yet He remains
inaccessible.
Sometimes, God seems silent
because He is simply giving us a chance to walk in obedience to what He already
told us to do. At other times, our sin or involvement in the world may be
hindering us from fellowship with the Lord. Possibly, we just stopped listening
for so long that we no longer recognize His voice.
King David penned many
poetic words pertaining to his discouragement and disappointment. We can follow
the Psalmist’s example as he encouraged his own soul, “Why are you cast down, O
my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? ” (Psalm 43:5). We can also encourage our soul – our mind, will and
emotions – to bless the Lord at all times and to praise His holy name.
God speaks to us through His
Spirit and His Word. As we spend time reading the Bible and listening for His
Spirit, we will see answers to our questions and hear His direction for our
life. I found that in these silent times, God is encouraging me to sink my
roots deeper into His Spirit. He knows there are gales of adversity ahead, and
He uses these silences to draw us closer to Himself. Only under the shadow of
His wings shall we find true and lasting hope as the apple of His eye (Psalm
17:8).
As we remember his
blessings, which He bestows on us, we have much to thank Him for. He forgives our sins, heals our diseases, redeems us from destruction,
crowns us with love and kindness and tender mercy, satisfies our hunger with
good things to eat, and renews our strength with the power of eagles (Psalm
103:1-5). Put your hopes and dreams in the Lord’s hands. They
are safe there, because He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope
and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us to
remember that happy are they who have the God of eternity for their provider,
and who keep their hope in You (Psalm 146:5).
You have been my hope since my youth (Psalm 71:5). We are a blessed people if our trusts is in You, and who put
our confidence in You always (Jeremiah 17:7).
Thought for the Day:
“Hope in God; for I shall
yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” - Psalm 43:5 