Persevering in Hope
Proverbs 13:12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.
Insight
The ever unsatisfied longing of a hungry soul results in faintness of spirit and sickness of heart. Such is the hopeless hope of the Christless. How blessed the contrast in the case of the Christian! He, too, at times is sick with longing; longing to behold the Beloved of his soul: but soon shall his desire be accomplished, and precious as the tree of life shall be its fulfillment. 1
Application
In 42:11 the psalmist says: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Your hope may be deferred, but you help is not. Hope in Him and in His promises for you. Will you begin to praise Him while you wait? It will lift your heart and renew your hope in His certain promises.
Motivation
Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you. John 16:22
If our hope is in Him we will never be disappointed, because He fulfills every promise.
Prayer
Father, thank You for giving me all the promises I need to keep trusting You.
1. Ironside, H. A. (1908). Notes on the Book of Proverbs. Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Bros.