“When once a good is discovered, want of it felt, strong desire for the possession excited, and the promise of attainment made on grounds unsuspected, so that the reality of the thing and the certainty of the promise are manifest, hope posts forward to realize the blessing. Delay in the gratification pains the mind; the increase of the delay prostrates and sickens the heart; and if delay sickens the heart, ultimate disappointment kills it. But when the thing desired, hoped for, and expected comes, it is a tree of life, ets chaiyim, "the tree of lives;" it comforts and invigorates both body and soul.” -- The Adam Clarke Commentary
When hope is deferred we can become restless, confused, desperate, and even angry. We are tempted to take matters into our hands, to make something happen.
One of many examples is found in story of Abraham and his wife Sarah. Abraham now about 85 years old and Childless receives God’s promise that they will have children (Genesis 15:2-6). One year goes by and nothing! Having lost hope, heart sick, anxious and fearful, Sarah convinces Abraham that they need to take matters into their own hands. She convinces Abraham to sleep with her servant Hagar. The following year Hagar gives birth to Ishmael (Genesis 16:16). At age 99 the Lord speaks to Abraham a second time to reaffirm his promise to Abraham that he and Sarah will have children (Genesis 17:1). Finally after 15 long years Sarah gives birth to the promised son Isaac (Genesis 21:2,5). The consequences of Sarah’s anxiety and the resulting birth if Ismael are still with us today. According to the Qur’an all Arabs are the decedents of Abraham through Ishmael. Need I say more!
Another response could be discouragement, despair, to include fear. “I can’t go on, its’ hopeless . . .” If unchecked this heartsickness can lead to severe depression and thoughts of suicide.
David having been relentlessly pursued by King Saul who is determined to kill him, facing difficulties of every kind from within and without over several decades boldly declares, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the LORD In the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. “ Psalm 27:13-14 (NASB)
The Apostle Paul writes, “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” Galatians 6:9 (AMP) (Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:13)
Heavenly Father, when in times of distress, when hope has faded and my heart is sick, lift my eyes. Help me to see beyond my loss and the pain in the moment, to the hope that I have in You. Help me to remember your unfailing love and to be thankful for what remains. Amen.
awesome :)
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