Despair May Knock Us Down...But Not Out!

"The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, 'O God, forgive me,' or 'Help me.'" - Billy Graham

The apostle Paul was well aware of the rough road faced by Christians. He knew that there would be troubles no matter where they would go. Paul expected trials and tribulations from all sorts of people; both good and bad, false brethren and weak believers, too.

He also knew that compared to spending eternity with Christ, all the suffering here, while only temporary, is purposeful (2 Corinthians 4:17). We are never truly free from trouble. Sometimes it appears that just as one calamity passes, there is another looming on the horizon (2 Corinthians 4:10).

Even though things may seem dismal, we must press ahead because there is always hope. Paul said as much in 2 Corinthians 4:8: "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair..." As Christians, we are going to get our lumps, we will be scarred, be accused and abused, but we must not cave in.

I like the two words in this verse: perplexed and despair. Despair means "the complete loss or absence of hope." By itself, it means that we are, as they say, "left hung out to dry" or abandoned, without direction in this harsh, temporal world.

Perplexed, as used in this verse, implies that much like a champion fighter, the Christian can take a hard punch, and may get knocked down; but is not knocked out. He back on his feet, ready to continue the fight (Wow! My husband will be proud of me for remembering all that!)

Additionally, I cannot stress the importance, for us as believers, to know that though our friends may even turn against us, and we may face persecution by enemies, God will never leave us. As 2 Corinthians 4:8 points out, though troubles may surround us, we are not without hope, or a way out.

And although we may be confused, or at a loss for what to do next, God is always with us, both in the spiritual and temporal sense. We mustn't despair. J. R. R. Tolkien, in The Fellowship of the Ring, said: "Despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt. We do not."

The believer in never gives in. We know that with God on our side, we can rise above anything the world throws at us (Romans 8:31). "Despair" literally means: no hope. Guess what! Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, has put a big, bold, red stripe right through the word. The word "despair" cannot hurt us, nor can it rule our lives. His life, death, and resurrection has proven that once and for all.

Scripture: Psalm 34:17-20; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:19; Proverbs 30:5; Joshua 1:9

Prayer: Dear God, "I am ready to give up; I am in deep despair. I lift up my hands to you in prayer; like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you” Amen.  -Psalm 143.4,6 (GNT)

Have a blessed day!

Shayla