# 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…

Source: Pray.com — https://www.pray.com/articles/weekly-wisdom-despair  
Author: PRAY.COM Editorial Team  
Category: Weekly Wisdom Devotionals  
Published: 2025-03-28  
Last revised: 2026-08-12

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## 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](/bible/web/lamentations-3/#v21)). 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.