In a previous episode of this podcast, I shared the story of a trip to New England with my wife, the initial disappointments of the first part of the trip, and the truth that my wife helped me to learn to embrace on the remainder of the trip, which turned my disappointment into delight. 

Well, this seems fine and good for dealing with turning everyday disappointments into delight.  But what about the serious challenges of life that bring genuine despair?  Two men of the Bible are good examples of how to apply these principles, even when in the midst of despair.

Abraham is our first example.  God spoke to him, promising him a son through whom many, many people would be blessed.  Then, he had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of that promise (the birth of Isaac) – a very long wait.  Then he had to experience the death of that vision (God telling him to sacrifice Isaac).  In his obedience, he saw God’s supernatural fulfillment of the promise again, in the provision of a substitute sacrifice.

Through all of this, Abraham stayed the course.  He trusted God.  He focused on the blessings received (the birth of Isaac, the time he had been able to spend with Isaac as a child, etc.), instead of on the agony of the impending sacrifice of Isaac.  He went from despair to delight, because he focused on the goodness, mercy, promises, and power of God.  And so should we.

Another example from the Bible is David.  Before he was king of Israel, he experienced the despair of having to flee for his life from the men of King Saul.  Later in life, he experienced the despair of having his own son Absolom leading a conspiracy against him in an attempt to seize the throne of Israel.

During these times of despair, David wrote many of the Psalms.  In them, we get excellent insight into how to move from despair to delight.  Let’s look at a few example verses:

• Psalms 42:5 NASB  Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God [and wait expectantly for Him], for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence.

• Psalms 27:13 HCSB  I am certain that I will see the LORD’s goodness in the land of the living.

Many other Scriptures offer encouragement to us as well:

• Isaiah 41:10 HCSB  Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.

• Hebrews 12:1b-2a NASB  Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  (2)  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

So, what should we do when we are in despair?  

1.      Run to the Father!  Spend time in His presence!  This is the source of joy and rest.

• Psalm 16:11 ESV  You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

• Exodus 33:14 ESV  And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

2.     One powerful way of entering into the presence of God is to read and meditate upon Scripture.  Let the words of the Bible be like food for your soul.  Use the words of Scripture as a part of your worship and prayers.

• Jeremiah 15:16 ESV  Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

3.     Cry out to God for help

• Psalm 34:17 ESV  When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

4.    Give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)  This helps us to remember the blessings that God has given in the past. Then give thanks in everything (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  This is the process of thanking God even in the midst of the current despair, which helps us to turn our attention back to God.  In other words, giving thanks postures our soul to be more alert to the comfort that God is providing to us in the midst of our despair.

Today, I encourage you to “Reflect on This.”