"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life."
Proverbs 13:12
I've always said a loud "Amen" to the idea of a hope deferred making the heart sick. So true. When I'm holding out for something I want to happen, eagerly anticipating an event, outcome or possibility, and the result disappoints or is not what I had expected, my heart truly is 'sick'. Sadness surrounds me. I feel defeated. The world seems unjust and unfair. However, as I read this verse yesterday morning, the Lord began opening my eyes to a new interpretation of it's meaning.
Where was I placing my hope? In my agenda, my ideas, my plans. I was looking to my own abilities to give me hope. I have placed my faith and hope in so many other things beside the Lord, and they have all let me down. When hope is deferred and placed in anything or anyone other than Christ, our hearts will be sick...homesick for Christ. My life belongs to the God of all hope (Romans 15:13). It is only when I let go of my dreams and desires and place them in His loving hands, can I experience the joy of fulfillment.
Today I want to sing with surrender, "My hope is based on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus' Name."
4 comments:
All I can say is a big AMEN!!! Have a great day!!
Leah
With a soft "Amen"...because my heart is so tender for many reasons..thank you for your wise counsel...Love, Sita
Oh, does God coordinate things or what? I was just talking with Tricia about other things I put my faith in (other idols) tied in with the bible study I am doing this summer called "No other Gods" by Kelly Minter. About having no other idols in our lives...
Thank you for the reminder that God is the only one we can put our hope in who won't disappoint us, who won't make our hearts grow sick...
Love you,
Heather
Joy,
Hey. I so needed this today...days after you wrote it. That's what I love about writing, it's always there. And I didn't need it last week, I needed this today. Not feeling very hopeful when that is exactly what I wrote about yesterday! Anyway, thank you, because my heart does feel sick today and it is because I'm not putting my hope today in Jesus.
I miss you! Your words have helped to carry me all week! Wish we could meet for coffee or tea or something.
Much Love and thanks for reminding me right back Who to put my hope in!
Love,
Melissa
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