“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12
Scripture depicts the scene hauntingly. Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?” (Mathew 27:46) Jesus was abandoned, apparently hopeless. He was questioning how long He was to endure the agony of the cross.
As I contemplated His pleading, my mind drifted to my own pleading when I had cried, “How long, Lord, are you going to leave me in these unbearable conditions?” As with Jesus, the Lord seemed to have turned a deaf ear to my cry.
My boss of 10 years had retired. As a result, I had been placed under authority I didn’t appreciate, and I struggled to submit to it. I immediately applied for a transfer. While waiting, I didn’t intend to be submissive, and I certainly didn’t intend to be content. I’m thankful Jesus didn’t draw the same conclusion.
I wanted my situation to change — and for it to change right away. But, as the days and months crept by, nothing happened. I felt miserable, frustrated, and heartsick.
Eventually, I recognized my problem wasn’t my boss or my place of employment; it was me. I asked God to help me see His long-term purposes, and to teach me to be content in the position He had placed me in.
Gradually, instead of longing to have what I wanted, when I wanted it, I truly desired to glorify Him. As my attitude changed my hope returned. I no longer wanted to see my own desires fulfilled; I wanted His to be fulfilled.
Thank You Father, that as You didn’t abandon Your Son on the cross, neither have You abandoned us. As You had a greater purpose in mind for His death, You have a greater purpose in mind for our lives. Help us to see our situations as You do and respond with hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Take Action
If you don’t already, start journaling. It’s a great way to process your emotions, gain insight, and clear your head. It is particularly good for liberating yourself from thoughts of hopelessness. It also aids in healing emotional pain and in finding new meaning and purpose from what you’re experiencing, as well as fostering spiritual growth.