Heaven’s Help for Deferred Hope
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We might as well be honest because… God is.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” Proverbs 13:12No wonder my friend cried hot tears. She had prayed every kind of prayer that you can pray, and it seemed her hopeful longings would never happen.
It touched a nerve from memories when I too held disillusioned hope. I was more aware than ever of how important it was that I handle her heart well.
I didn’t have a lot of words, and that’s good. I probably would have said something stupid in an effort to help. I was relieved when she asked for prayer.
So… we sat. quietly. together. This was not the time for me to “fix it.” She needed Heavenly substance to enter into her waning hope to infuse it with strength and a little bit of joy.
The wild part is that:
God’s presence
Sat with us.
Quietly.
Together.
It is hard to describe.
A song began to arise through her ashes of disappointment. Gentle reminders stirred of God’s faithfulness in times past. An unforced holy ebb and flow of God’s heart pulsated life into her heartache.
Faith quietly rested and linked arms with hope.
Together. We breathed easier. calmed within. and even laughed.
Joyful strength had come through the presence of the Lord.
❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎ ❇︎
Dear, Friend.
Does this writing resonate with your heart? Perhaps people are aware, but maybe not. One thing is certain. The Lord knows… and He cares. If He was all knowing but did not care, that would be utterly awful and hopeless. Even so, the disciples cried out in a boat during a fierce storm, Master!!! Don’t You care??? We are perishing! It’s understandable to struggle with such thoughts when it seems we are about to perish in the storms of life. Nonetheless, the same Jesus who quieted the raging waters is with You, extending an offer to help.
Some of the Lord’s help might arrive in the form of a trusted person. Consider inviting them into what is going on inside. If they jump in too quickly and try to fix everything, just remind them of what you hope to receive… a listening heart without judgment… a tender prayer… and genuine care. Most people will roll with that if they are safe.
May God refresh, reward, and encourage as you go about your day.
You are in my prayers, Mary
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”