Weekly Wisdom: Despair

Scripture

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

Devotional

How can those suffering gain hope and so become overcomers?Joni Eareckson Tada's life changed when she dove into the Chesapeake Bay and broke her neck, becoming a quadriplegic. Refusing to wallow in despair, she overcame adversity to serve as an example of how to live by faith.Joni reveals her secret to overcoming despair in this hope-filled passage: “Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not…The Lord is good to those who…hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (Lamentations 3:21-26). This passage calls to mind the goodness of Jesus to those who daily hope in Him.In what she calls the "anchors of her life," Joni adds: “Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men” (vv.32-33).When it comes to suffering, God wants us to understand that, though we may not fully comprehend His ways, His compassion for us emanates out of the heart of a Father.

Prayer

Abba Father, please help me overcome my suffering by leaning wholeheartedly on Your blessed hope and boundless love. In Jesus’ name, amen.