Despair is the result of lost hope. Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” We’ve all been to places where people have lost hope. Perhaps we have even experienced this loss ourselves. The loss of hope can be read on faces reflecting the despair. It is difficult to recover from this devastating situation.
What encouragement can we offer to others and ourselves at times like these? Practical help provides some encouragement. We have known this to be true, as we have been privileged to help people devastated by natural disasters. We have seen how the loss of personal items and property can hurt and confuse people. But help in recovery can begin to restore hope.
But sometimes just the daily grind of life with its troubles can cause people to lose hope. It is difficult to see light when problems block your view.
Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”
Our God is the God of hope. He offers to fill us with joy and peace, and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances. He will lift us up so that we can see light. Problems will still come, but we can still have hope that God will carry us to the other side. This hope is not some vague dream, but the confident expectation that God will fulfill His promises to us.
Reluctant Retiree 