Don't Let Despair Overtake You

"Life begins on the other side of despair."  -Jean-Paul Sartre

In all of the Bible, one can find only one question Jesus ever asked his Father. In forming this question, he used the words of David in Psalm 22:1, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

Within this question was all the agony he endured throughout the dark hours on Calvary. In the deep, darkness of separation from God for the only time in eternity, Jesus cried out of the pit of his despair.

As a result of his cruelly, painful experience, Jesus was able to identify with the feelings of despair that attack people's lives. We all encounter times when we can't seem to find a reason or purpose for continuing on.

It can seem that everything connected to our pressing forward with life is dim, obscure, and indefinable. We can use Psalm 22, which describes a period in the life of David, to give us some insight on despair.

First, let's examine David's situation at the time. We must ask, "What is the significance of David's question in verse 1?" He is indicating here his sense of forsakenness, or abandonment. It's hard to imagine that this is the same person who wrote about his close relationship with God in Psalm 23.

Yet, here he is probing the depths of despair. He had arrived at a moment in his life when he felt totally alone in the world. The lesson for us is that there is nothing imaginary about suffering. It is real and no one is immune from it.

David's cry for help indicates uncertainty. It's not true that "faith asks no questions." Instead, a sound faith in God will help a Christian ask profitable questions in his or her hour of despair. David's question originates from his belief, not his unbelief.

David, in spite of the severity of his despair, did not lose sight of God. He could still cry out, "My God, my God..." It is the victory of faith when one understands that, even in the darkness of the deepest anguish, God is still there.

We don't share omniscience with God, so there are many things we don't understand about suffering and sorrow. But we can be reassured in God's redemptive purpose. When dealing with despair we can always turn to God's sustaining grace to help see us through.

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:7; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9; Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 12:2; Joshua 1:9

Prayer: Dear Lord, Your steadfast love supports me, and when the cares of my heart are many, Your comfort cheers my soul, amen.

Wishing God's best for you,

Juliette