When
we count on a certain person or event in order to fulfill our joy, and they let
us down, or our dream never comes true, then our hope disintegrates, and our heart feels sick (Proverbs 13:12). We want to give
up, and we struggle with depression.
As we feel our hope crumble, our
heart sinks into the quagmire of despair. A lost job, a failed relationship, a wayward
teen, a child lost to tragedy, frustration with our government, the deterioration
of the earth’s environment, the failing economy, disillusionment in the
church’s leadership, and so many other life events that contribute to our mood.
We
know there is hope in Jesus, but sometimes we just cannot sense God’s direction
for our life. We struggle to reconnect, yet we think that He remains aloof. We can
follow the Psalmist’s example by encouraging our soul (Psalm 42:5).
God
knows when there are worst gales of adversity just ahead for us, and He draws
us closer to His presence in us. Like the tree planted by the water, we sink
our roots deeper into Him. Then, we are able to weather any storm.
The Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus
Christ Himself, and our Father God never leave us, never fail us, and never
change (Hebrews 13:5, 8; 1 Corinthians 13:8). The Trinity loves us
unconditionally, and He knows what is best for us in His timing and way.
If we listen, God continually gives
us internal reassurance and hope, which never let us down. His love encourages
our heart, strengthens us in every area of our life, and enables us to
accomplish His goals for our words and actions (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; Philippians
2:12-13).
Prayer:
Father God, only under the shadow
of Your wings do we find true and lasting peace. Our only secure hope is in You.
We continually praise You - regardless of our circumstances, because You alone
are the source of our comfort and joy.
Help
us to remember that happy are they who have You, the God of eternity, as our Provider,
if we will maintain our trust and faith in Your faithfulness. We put our hopes
and dreams in Your hands, because we know they are safe there.
Thought
for the Day:
Sometimes,
God will not answer our prayers right away, because He wants us to run after
Him like the deer who pants for the water brook (Psalm 42:1); yet, He is always
listening, always cares, and never stops watching over us.
