Despair

SCRIPTURE: Ps 27:13 AMP I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

THOUGHT: Despair comes creeping in when we feel we have no hope left. I think that’s as true for non-believers as it is for Christ-followers. Of course, we’re not supposed to ever lack hope, but that hasn’t been my experience. Looking back over my life, I can see that my hope is far more stable now than it was in my 20s, 30s or 40s when I wasn’t following God so willingly or closely. Spiritual maturing has come at a price, but I am the better for paying it.

Seeing God’s goodness on this side of glory can take time. Redemption can take time. But once it arrives, it gives hope that you will taste it, feel it, experience it, and see it again. Then you find yourself, like the Psalmist, looking at the future through the lens of hope: God has rescued and redeemed your story before, and he will again. Despair looks less threatening in the rear-view mirror.

SONG: Goodness of God https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f4MUUMWMV4

PRAYER: Oh Lord, trade this spirit of despair for a garment of praise (Is. 61:3). I believe that I will see your goodness again in the land of the living!