Desperate Times..? Call On God!

I ran across this quote the other day, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation," and it really made me stop and think for a moment. Why do many of us live lives of quiet desperation?

I suppose you could look at it this way: Desperation is where we come to an end of ourselves. Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines desperate as: being moved by despair, suffering an extreme burden or anxiety, extreme intensity, involving or employing extreme measures in an attempt to escape frustration or defeat.

For sure, there are many different causes for desperation in the days we live in. There are emotional, physical and spiritual causes for desperation. There are even good and bad types of desperation, as well. But just for today, let's take a look at what happens when we are desperate, and how that determines our destiny.

Many times in our lives we enter a storm, and it's during the storms of our lives that we see both our lowest lows, and our highest highs, regardless if we are a new convert or an experienced saint. We all face storms in our lives, and more importantly, we will have to answer a question in each one. "How will I handle my desperation, and where will it take me?"

Read (Jonah 1:1-16) in your Bible. Keep in mind that the sailors on the ship were professionals. That's how they made their living; sailing from port to port. And having been a sailor for any given time, they would have to realize that going from Joppa, to Tarshish was going to be a hard journey. Here storms are constantly brewing near Tarshish. In fact, there are references in other parts of the Bible that indicate this. Psalms even mentions ships being destroyed by the winds near Tarshish.

With this being said, the sailors knew what they were doing, and they knew that this storm was too much for them. They were desperate for an escape! They begged the preacher for information on how to save them. They tried everything they could.

And then, they followed the plan the man of God gave them, and they were saved. Their desperation brought them to the man of God and ultimately saved their lives. They didn't serve God before this point, but they dropped their idols and began serving Him afterwards!

Finally, even storm experienced saints sometimes still get overwhelmed by storms. We get to a point that we think the storm is going to overtake us completely, and we don’t know what to do next. That is the moment desperation kicks in; and that’s when we make our biggest decisions. Is this the point to where I throw in the towel? Do I get so desperate that I can’t fight anymore, and leave the house of God for the elements of this world?

Or is it at this time that I stand up and say that regardless of my circumstance, I will worship the Lord, my God, maker of heaven and earth, and peace speaker. I will trust in Him to deliver me, and no matter what the cost, I will still serve Him!!! After the storm there will be peace, and His peace passes all understanding!

Scripture: Romans 15:13; 1 John 4:18; Philippians 2:7-8; Philippians 2:16; Ephesians 1:3; Ephesians 1:17; Galatians 1:10    

Prayer: Lord, may everything I do begin with Your inspiration, continue with Your help, and reach perfection under Your guidance. With Your loving care guide me in my daily actions. Help me to persevere with love and sincerity. Amen

May God always be with you,

Alison