Hope

I’m a little late with this one, but I could not ignore this topic. A short while ago, I let myself spiral down into depression. Someone, in my family, missed an exellent opportunity and I, believing it would have been beneficial for her, fell into dispair. A few days later, I realized my depression was not helpful to me and it certainly would have no effect on the situation (though I tried). But it wasn’t until I read someone’s devotional that I realized my depression was not only harming me but that it was the work of Satan, to defeat me.

So, I slowly made my way to my Bible, prayed for forgiveness, and asked the Holy Spirit for strength and hope. Prayed for forgiveness? Yes. I allowed myself to wallow in sadness and defeat, instead of trusting God. Had someone died? No. Was anyone in an accident? No. Did someone’s house burn down? No. The vision I had for someone was destroyed, but it apparently was meant to be this way and God can use it for good.

There are those times when all seems lost and when that happens there is someone you can turn to. His name is Jesus. Our Lord didn’t just die on a cross and was buried; he rose into Heaven and sits at the Father’s right hand. He intercedes on our behalf and cares everything about us. 1 Peter 1:3, Romans 8:34. We tend to think of God as an stern, omnipotent person who is quick to punish. Nothing could be further from the truth! God is mercifull, full of compassion, patient, and longing for us to come to him.

“The Lord is gracious and full of compssion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all His works.” NKJV.

We all have difficulties in life. God intended for it to be this way. It is through our hardships that we grow and mature. It wasn’t meant to be easy but the Holy Spirit can help us through it, when we submit to him.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know the teating of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4, NIV.

Does this mean that God wants us to always suffer? No, Jesus said who come to him will have life and have it abundantly. He didn’t mean earthly riches, he meant joy, fullfillment, and hope for a future.

“For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and to not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV.

We all hope for something better and God is the one we can depend on to make all things right, if we depend on him. Have you ever prayed for something and God gave you more than you ever imagined? He has done that for me and he can do it for you, too.