Why Are You in Despair, My Soul?

"The road that is built in hope is more pleasant to the traveler than the road built in despair, even though they both lead to the same destination."  - Marion Zimmer Bradley

Hopelessness, despondency, and discouragement. No matter the order in which way you arrange these words they all stand for the same thing, "DESPAIR." None of us are strangers to despair. In fact, it's a common occurrence in humankind.

We all have, at one time or another, experienced despair during tough, challenging times in our lives. And, when it does strike it usually leaves us feeling hopeless, despondent, or discouraged about personal matters in our lives, such as our: jobs, marriages/relationships, family, finances, etc.

If it goes unchecked despair can lead to a loss of faith about one's ability to find meaning, fulfillment, happiness, and possibly worse. As I mentioned earlier, none of are unfamiliar with despair. Even Jesus' apostles were not anymore exempt from the grasp of despair than we are.

Despair can be incited by fear. Who can doubt that the apostles found themselves battling despair on an almost daily basis? At times it must have seemed as if there was no way out of the formidable, circumstances that seemed to encompass them. Maybe you're even going through something similar as we speak?

It would be very easy to turn our backs on hope; to slowly give up. The apostle Paul was quite familiar with all of this, believe me. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 4:8, he shares some hopeful words of encouragement to those who may be suffering in the throes of despair. How was he able to keep it together, to be so optimistic and confident?

Paul knew he couldn't depend on anything or anyone in this world to strengthen, encourage, and guide him out of despair. That's a big mistake that many of us make. We count on help from the temporal, or worldly. He knew that the only way out of despair was through his knowledge that God is in control (Isaiah 55:8-9).

Paul learned that it didn't matter whether he lived, or died (Philippians 1:23-24); was in the state of abundance or scarcity (Philippians 4:12-13), He knew that God controlled his life, and that everything he went through would ultimately have eternal meaning (2 Corinthians 4:17).

It's easy to disbelieve God and His promises to provide and deliver us when we've been beaten up by despair. Friends may abandon us, and our enemies might kick us while we are down. But, as Paul was aware of, God will never leave or forsake us.

In times of despair God gives us hope. Regardless of how hopeless or afraid we might be during those dark, despondent times, God gives us the hope that we will soon be able to praise Him and take delight in His goodness (1 Corinthians 13:13).

The GOD'S WORD® Translation bible expresses 2 Corinthians 4:8 as, "In every way we're troubled, but we aren't crushed by our troubles. We're frustrated, but we don't give up." The next time you find yourself struggling with despair remember, "don't give up," God has you covered!

Scripture: Psalm 34:17-20; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:19; Psalm 147:3

Prayer: Dear Lord, I will show Your mercy to others; and I will glorify You by letting everyone know how good You are to me, Your mercy is boundless and no one, no matter how troubled or hopeless they may be,  should ever have reason to despair of Your loving embrace and support. Amen

Have a blessed Monday!

Makinzie