Proverbs 13:12
Delayed hope makes the heart sick, but fulfilled desire is a tree of life.
Where does your hope come from? What is it that you are hoping for?
I can think back on times in my life where I have hoped for things like winning a game or passing a test; I have even hoped for life for a loved one. When one is sick, terminally ill, or broken physically – one may hope for healing. What happens when that healing is delayed? That person’s heart can become sick- weary.
Perhaps it is the hope of a promise to be fulfilled, one of great joy like a great gift of a generous inheritance, but then it is delayed. When one hopes for something and is told repeatedly of it’s coming, they can become disappointed, disheartened, weary, mad even resentful towards the one causing the delay. Especially if they see another receiving the fulfillment of that same promise that was made to them. I have seen this play out in many families as loved ones pass away.
All that brings about the destruction and division that we are warned about in God’s word. The enemy prowls around like a lion to kill, steal, and destroy. So, what is being destroyed here? Maybe hope or relationships leaving an open door to sin. Sin of anger that leads to bitterness and resentment and unforgiveness.
However, when these hopes are fulfilled – it can be like a tree of life; fruitful and allowing the deliverer to experience the blessing of giving. Allowing the receiver to be blessed, creating the experience of joy beyond measure; hope fulfilled. Maybe it was the gift of money, or the gift of life-giving transplant, or perhaps even just the simple gift of opportunity to play in a game one has been preparing for all season.
So, when is it good timing to point out a delay of hope? In Proverbs 3:27, 28 it says: “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,’ when you have it with you.”
Being cautious with our words when making promises of fulfilling another’s hope is important. Our words can bring life or death. At the same time, our source of hope makes all the difference in the world. When we place our hope in this world and people, we allow ourselves to be susceptible to disappointment. Our hope must be placed in the One life-giving source, Jesus Christ.
When we make Jesus our source of hope for all things, we can trust in Him when the things of this world are delayed or deliver disappointment. Because ultimately our hope is in Him and He keeps His promises. So, where does your hope come from? What is it that you are hoping for? Changing the source of hope may make all the difference.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your son, Jesus, and for the hope you give us. You are generous God who desires for us to experience your love and grace and abundant life. Help me to always place my hope in you, LORD, for you are our refuge and peace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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