Hopelessness
Scripture:
Hebrews 12:3
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Reflection:
Today I choose to fast from the wound of hopelessness.
Hope has two ingredients - desire for something and the belief that it could happen. When one or both of those ingredients is missing, hopelessness is often not far behind. Without desire we find ourselves lacking enthusiasm and motivation. Without belief we quickly fall into apathy with thoughts such as “what’s the point?”.
If we sink deep enough into the thoughts and feelings behind hopelessness we may find that we are holding onto faulty beliefs such as “God doesn’t really care about that” or perhaps even “God doesn’t really care about me”. When we allow that belief to guide us, we’re forced to try and make it on our own. And then, it’s no wonder that all kinds of sin, including greed, follow.
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What are the things in my life that feed desire and belief?
What are the things in my life that feed hopelessness and unbelief?
Prayer:
Share your hopes with God and ask for help to feed your desires and beliefs in ways that are pleasing to God. Share your unbelief and hopeless feelings with God and ask for help to overcome these and remember the truth of Deuteronomy 31:8.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
