Thursday, April 19

THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2018


"Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life." (Proverbs 13:12)


This verse carries tremendous meaning with just a few short words. To me, it speaks of several key realities:

(1) Expectations often determine our thoughts on outcome. When we set expectations correctly, we gain a realistic perspective on life. We tend to overestimate the satisfaction that worldly pleasures may provide, what we may accomplish in a single day, and our strength apart from God. We tend to underestimate the depth of God's love and the joy from being in His presence, what we may accomplish in a year, and our strength under God's authority. If our "hope deferred" comes from faulty expectations, it will indeed make our heart sick.

(2) Each person's hopes differ, and we need to consider that as we love others. When we think about others, we may impose our hopes for them (or even our hopes for ourselves) when hearing their reflections on hopes deferred. True love involves getting to know each person individually and seeking to understand from his or her perspective. Without that exercise, we may fall short of the compassionate love to which God has called us. (cf. Matthew 9:35-38)

(3) God's tremendous promises -- and their sure fulfillment -- lead to figurative and literal trees of life. When we trust in God's promises, our longings will be fulfilled. Psalm 34:7 explains that, as we delight in the Lord, He will give us the desires of our hearts. Clinging to God and His promises ensures that we have realistic expectations and that we will find ultimate joy in seeing "trees of life" in this life and in our eternal home.


Lord God, thank You for bringing our longings to fulfillment by Your precious promises. Help us to trust You more solidly, and give us compassion for those who are hurting around us. Open doors for us to testify to Your goodness and kindness to us. We love You and honor You today. In Jesus's Name, amen.


"I Will Exalt You" by Hillsong (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kigbo_Z10Hg)


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