The Loss of Hope

READ | Acts 27:13-26

Life doesn’t always meet our expectations. Even when making plans according to God’s lead, we may run into something that interrupts them. Frustration over the obstacle can lead to discouragement and loss of hope. Then, if the hindrance should persist, our spirits may plummet toward despair.

Circumstances which seem impossible to overcome are often the ones that trip us up. Think about Paul’s voyage to Rome by sea. When a bad storm arose, the sailors worked hard to save the ship. But since they couldn’t control the weather, they gradually gave up all hope of being saved (v. 20). There are times when we can’t change what has happened—whether it’s a job loss, a loved one’s death, or a devastating diagnosis. In such situations, feelings of hopelessness can overtake us.

Postponed plans can also be disheartening. Hannah is an example of someone who became dejected because of “hope deferred” (Prov. 13:12). She saw other women bearing children, but her own maternal desires had not yet been fulfilled (1 Sam. 1:11). When things do not go according to our schedule, we may experience emotions like hers.

Feeling abandoned by the Lord can throw believers off track. I remember a season of life when I felt all alone. My mind said God was with me, but my feelings said He wasn’t. To counter those emotions, I pursued the Lord through Scripture meditation and prayer.

In times of discouragement, you have a choice. Will you focus on your circumstances, or will you fix your gaze on our loving Father and trust Him?


From: InTouch - Early Light Devotionals

Timely Help

“We will find grace to help us when we need it.”
Hebrews 4:16 NLT

God’s help is timely. He helps us the same way a father gives plane tickets to his family. When I travel with my kids, I carry all our tickets in my satchel. When the moment comes to board the plane, I stand between the attendant and the child. As each daughter passes, I place a ticket in her hand. She, in turn, gives the ticket to the attendant. Each one receives the ticket in the nick of time.

What I do for my daughters God does for you. He places himself between you and the need. And at the right time, he gives you the ticket. Wasn’t this the promise he gave his disciples? “When you are arrested and judged, don’t worry ahead of time about what you should say. Say whatever is given you to say at that time, because it will not really be you speaking; it will be the Holy Spirit” (Mark 13:11, emphasis mine).

God leads us. He will do the right thing at the right time.


From: Max Lucado

Better Than Life

In Psalm 63:1-4, the psalmist makes an incredible statement,

O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.

What does the psalmist mean when he says that God’s lovingkindness is better than life? Let me try and explain.

First, lovingkindness literally means merciful love. It is God’s unfailing, merciful love.

And this is the love the psalmist says is “better than life.” This merciful and unfailing love of God is better than life at its best without that love.

When I think of my life without Christ, I can remember many high times, laughter I shared with people, and great relationships. But the least of God’s mercies far outweighs the best of those times.

My life before coming to know Christ was chasing shadows. It was doing the best with a counterfeit because I had never experienced the reality. It was eating freeze-dried food when the Master Chef had prepared this sumptuous feast with the finest ingredients.

His lovingkindness is indeed better than the best of life without it. The natural response to such merciful love, to such an abundant life, is praise. Which means that every day, until your dying day, should be a thanksgiving day.


From: CrossWalk Devotionals