Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Proverbs 13:12
Lord Jesus, there is so much that I find that I am hoping and longing for in life! Often I am conflicted because my sin nature subtly longs for the things of this world, cloaking them in a veil of righteousness by saying things like, “If I had more then I could give more to the kingdom,” or that, “If I only had this or that I would do one thing or another.” This mindset takes my spirit into a downward spiral, leading me to a place of hopelessness and rejection, feeling as if I have been abandoned and left to fend for myself. This sickness of heart looms over me like a cloud, leaving me in a place of despair. Yet, Lord, I realize this morning that this is but the rotten fruit of my broken nature drawing me away from You and the hope I have in You. By giving Your life You have opened up to me everything that I need for life and godliness. You have ensured through Your shed blood that I am blessed going out and coming in, that I have a divine favor on my life that cannot be taken away. It is because of this truth this morning that I place my hope firmly in You. I look to You today to make up the lack I see in my life. I pray for You to fill the gaps and to sure me up on every side. My hope in You is indeed like a firmly planted tree that may not be bearing fruit today, but I know that it will in due season because I know the One who planted it! Today, help me to keep my eyes on You and not my broken desires that I might always put You first in all things. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.