Hope Deferred
My friend cried silent tears that rolled down her cheeks. How long? I’m so sad.We might as well be honest since, God is.
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick.” I remember my own long drawn out seasons when my heart was sick from hope that never seemed to come to pass. It had become an illusive dream. What then? What now for my friend who came with a broken heart ?
She asked for prayer and we closed our eyes. I knew better than to rush in shouting or demanding. Remember. I’ve been in this place before. 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 the ashes of disappointment. Gentle reminders stirred of God’s faithfulness in times past. An unforced holy ebb and flow of God’s heart pulsated and breathed life into the heartache.
Faith quietly rested and linked arms with hope. Aahhh… We breathed easier. calmed within. and even laughed.
Joy 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. I encourage you to listen to the song below. Additionally, please invite a trusted person 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.”