Hope

Hope

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. . . . O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation.

Psalm 130:1-2, 7

I admire the psalmist for writing with such refreshing honesty: “From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.” Admitting my pain to God, to myself, and to others is not a sign of weakness, although it might feel that way at times. Rather, it’s a sign of honesty and integrity.

The “depths of despair” describes a low point. However we arrive there, it feels like a place of weakness. Sometimes we despair because of circumstances, sometimes we despair because of choices—ours or our children’s—and sometimes we don’t understand why we feel such despair. Whether our discouragement involves sadness, anger, or numbness about health, money, or relationships, being in the depths leaves us feeling isolated and—at times—even distant from God. This is precisely when we need him the most! G. K. Chesterton said, “When belief in God becomes difficult, the tendency is to turn away from him, but—in heaven’s name—to WHAT?”

The psalmist acknowledged both his fear and his trust in God. It’s reassuring that he struggled toward a proper perspective in the middle of his conflicting feelings. I do too. He dealt with his despair in a healthy way by calling out to God, counting on God for help, and hoping in God’s Word. His pattern has guided me at points of despair in my own life. God did not disappoint the psalmist, and he hasn’t disappointed me either.

Father,

Thank you that it’s safe to bring our fears to you. Thank you for your promise to watch over those who hope in your unfailing love. Amen.