Walking By Faith | Despair: No Pity to Myself

"I shall despair. There is no creature loves me;

And if I die no soul will pity me:

And wherefore should they, since that I myself

Find in myself no pity to myself?"   - William Shakespeare (1564-1616) - from: Richard III - Act 5, scene 3

When you hear the word "despair" what comes to mind? Maybe an utter sense of hopelessness? A feeling that the world is closing in around you? Perhaps a deep feeling of anguish, grief, or even sorrow? (2 Corinthians 4:8)

No matter how you may perceive it, despair is not beneficial to any of us. Vocabulary.com defines "despair" as: the feeling of not having any hope left. I would say that sums it up very nicely. 

One thing I've gathered, from my speaking to various groups and individuals, is that we can be affected by despair for many reasons. These can vary from person to person; their experiences, moral principles, life situations, etc.

Health concerns, broken relationships, work problems, even political upheaval, to name only a few, can give rise to despair. Whom among us wouldn't become discouraged after prolonged struggles with any of these, even to the point of giving up all hope?

Thankfully, the Christian believer can turn to Scripture for guidance in coping with or managing "despair." There, we find it meaningfully considered in personal or group experiences facing desertion, suffering, and yearning for divine intervention.

This tightly knit theme is embedded within the biblical narrative, pointing out the brutally harsh and genuine assertions of suffering humanity, and the search for Divine presence in woeful, unsettling times.

A noteworthy example is presented in the Old Testament Book of Job. There we find righteous, but lamenting Job in the throes of great suffering and loss. We experience his sorrowful cry through Job 3:11.

The Book of Psalms provides a multitude of illustrations concerning cries of despair acting as a testament to the nature of being human, and the quest for blessed peace and comfort (Psalms 22:1).

Now, let’s jump forward to the New Testament; stopping at the Gospels. In Matthew, we discover Jesus crying in despair from the cross (Matthew 27:46). The significance here being His humanly, yet prophecy-fulfilling suffering and despair.

The reality of despair in the life of a Christian was even acknowledged by the apostle Paul in his letters, or epistles. His open frankness about his own encounters with it provide inspiration. They also emphasize the abundance of God’s grace during times of trial (2 Corinthians 1:8).

We’ve seen how biblical “despair” is not just another term for hopelessness. Rather, it is often viewed as a forerunner of divine mediation and revelation. This reminds us of our need for God, and His promise that he indeed listens and responds to our cries for help.

Because we live in a fallen world, despair will always be with us. However, we don’t have to surrender to it. We have an open invitation from God to bring our despair to Him. And we can always trust in the comfort and hope offered by His love and sovereignty to put us right.

Scripture: Joshua 1:9; Psalm 55:22; Romans 15:13; Philippians 4:19; 1 Peter 5:7

Prayer: Holy Father, may you open my eyes that I might see the hope to which You have called me. Show me the richness of Your glorious provision, and excellent power for all believers. Amen.

Sincerely with the Grace of God,

Sloane