Dodging Despair?

Have you ever felt despair? Perhaps you're experiencing a winter season of cold, long and dark days where nothing blooms or tweets out a lovely song in the morning. It could be from an illness, disappointment, discouragement, trials of many kinds, or unanswered prayers.  

How do you dig yourself out of the hole before it consumes your joy and peace?

First: Look up to God

He’s ready for you. He knows that you are going through a hard time. He will never desert you in your time of trouble even if you don’t feel His presence…He’s there.

When you are feeling low, there can be the temptation to look to everyone and everything else except God. Why is that? Is it because you’re afraid that He might bring up your failures that have brought you to this point? Is it because you’re doubtful that He is going to help you? Or is it that you are so accustomed to getting your “fix” from the TV, food, internet, friends, and/or busyness?

Only God offers true joy, peace, and contentment regardless of your circumstances. You can  wake up and step out everyday because of His faithfulness. He longs for you to spend time talking to Him about what’s going on in your life.

“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Second: Look to His Word

The Bible isn't a history book filled with wonderful, unbelievable stories. It’s God’s love letter that speaks to every situation in your life. You can’t approach it like you would a schoolbook or novel. The best approach is to begin with a spirit of expectancy and prayer. Simply ask God to speak to you from His word. He loves you…He won’t hold back. God's word is powerful.

If reading the Bible is new to you, start with the book of John and write down your thoughts about Jesus—what does He do, what does He say, how does He deal with people especially those who are hurting and may be going through days of despair. After you finish John, perhaps try out an Old Testament book like Psalms or Proverbs—again write out anything that really sticks in your mind as you read it. Begin to select certain verses just to think about when you wake up, during the day, and before you go to sleep.

“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalms 119:105).

Your life will be full of triumphs and tragedies no matter where you live, what you do, or who you know. Like the winter season—there is a beginning and an end—eventually you will move on to the next season of life. It is critical that you put all your trust in the Lord to lead you in the right paths with prayer and Bible study.

 “There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off” (Proverbs 23:18).

The New International Version. 2011. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.