When you are running out of gas

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.  2 Corinthians 3:12

When people experience spiritual dryness and hope begins to wither, they almost always withdraw. They withdraw from church, from their spouse, from family and friends, and – though they don’t realize it – they withdraw from God as well.

That accounted for Elijah’s taking that long trip through the wilderness when God had to turn him around and send him back to work. It was the reason Jonah went AWOL, wanting to take a vacation on the Spanish Riviera instead of going to desolate Nineveh. That’s also why many people today have all but given up hope.

What do you do during times of hopelessness? In the flyleaf of my Bible I’ve written the words of Andrew Murray, which help restore hope. He wrote, “In times of trouble, God’s trusting child may say: First, He brought me here; it is by His will I am in this difficult place; in that will I rest. Next: He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace in this trial to behave as His child. Then: He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last: In His good time He can bring me out again – how and when, He knows. Say: I am here (1) by God’s appointment, (2) in His keeping, (3) under His training, (4) for His time.” And then under these words is a verse he often quoted: “And call upon Me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me (Psalm 50:15).”

When the despair of hope has set in, remind yourself of what you already know to be true, and keep on keeping on for the Lord.

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be geneorus and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Timothy 6:17-19