Name: Linda
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A New Thing
Despair, I think, is the antonym for hope. Having chosen the word hope to dwell on this year, I suddenly find it wherever I turn. I hear it songs and sermons, read about it in scripture, Bible study and devotionals.
Yesterday, in my devotional reading in Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest," he wrote about despair. He used as his example the time the disciples fell asleep in the garden when Jesus had asked them to watch and pray. When they realized what they had done they were filled with despair. They felt, in that moment, they could never make up for what they had done.
"The sense of the irreparable is apt to make us despair, and we say - 'It is all up now, it is no use trying any more.'"
How easily I can identify with such feelings. Whenever I fail do to something I know the Lord has asked me to do, or done what I know to be wrong I am very apt to sink into despair and have a "what's the use" attitude. I believe that is just what the enemy of our souls is after. How pleased he is when we give in to despair and allow our relationship to the Lord to suffer.
However, Jesus has a better way. "Whenever we realize that we have not done that which we had a magnificent opportunity of doing," writes Chambers, "then we are apt to sink into despair; and Jesus Christ comes and says -'Sleep on now, that opportunity is lost forever, you cannot alter it, but arise and go to the next thing.' Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ, and go out into the irresistible future with Him."
The answer is to let the past be washed in the blood of the Savior and to go on to the next thing He has. That is the glorious work of redemption and the amazing grace of our Lord. He never gives up on us. He is there to forgive us, to pick us up and dust us off and give us hope. The enemy would have us remain under the weight of guilt and shame, unable to muster up the energy to try again. Jesus extends a hand of forgiveness, mercy and grace.
"Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action." concludes Chambers.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
Blessings,
Linda
Yesterday, in my devotional reading in Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest," he wrote about despair. He used as his example the time the disciples fell asleep in the garden when Jesus had asked them to watch and pray. When they realized what they had done they were filled with despair. They felt, in that moment, they could never make up for what they had done.
"The sense of the irreparable is apt to make us despair, and we say - 'It is all up now, it is no use trying any more.'"
How easily I can identify with such feelings. Whenever I fail do to something I know the Lord has asked me to do, or done what I know to be wrong I am very apt to sink into despair and have a "what's the use" attitude. I believe that is just what the enemy of our souls is after. How pleased he is when we give in to despair and allow our relationship to the Lord to suffer.
However, Jesus has a better way. "Whenever we realize that we have not done that which we had a magnificent opportunity of doing," writes Chambers, "then we are apt to sink into despair; and Jesus Christ comes and says -'Sleep on now, that opportunity is lost forever, you cannot alter it, but arise and go to the next thing.' Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ, and go out into the irresistible future with Him."
The answer is to let the past be washed in the blood of the Savior and to go on to the next thing He has. That is the glorious work of redemption and the amazing grace of our Lord. He never gives up on us. He is there to forgive us, to pick us up and dust us off and give us hope. The enemy would have us remain under the weight of guilt and shame, unable to muster up the energy to try again. Jesus extends a hand of forgiveness, mercy and grace.
"Never let the sense of failure corrupt your new action." concludes Chambers.
Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:19
Blessings,
Linda
11 Comments:
Amen Sister! When doubt and despair nags, we need to remember and believe:
Behold, I will do a new thing; now shall it spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.
Annette
"Arise and go to the next thing!"
Yes, Linda, yes!!
I am so enjoying your journey with hope this year. You have grabbed hold of this word and are being twisted and turned by it...impacted in ways unfathomable.
I admire your willingness to be shaped by our Father in such a way. I also cherish your honesty in your struggles.
Thankfully He is in the despair, His hand holding us, ready to lift us out. However, let us not sink into the depths of that despair. It's hard, isn't it?
Be lifted out and arise, my friend, arise! The next thing awaits you!
Beautiful, Linda! Full of such hope!
Linda...
My friend.
God uses you.
These words ministered to me deeply... words from a past pilgrim, words mixed with the truth of your lifestory, the love of your heart.
I so appreciate you, Linda -- Linda with heart of HOPE in HIM!
All my love,
Ann
Hi, Linda...just got your comment about Malcolm and The Maiden's Bequest.
Malcolm is the book I'm giving away:) Unedited it is just one book, but when Michael Phillips edited it he divided it into 2. I haven't read it in a few years...I think it'll be my next one after Heather and Snow.
Let me know what you think...good or bad...once you start them! Enjoy Sense and Sensibility:)
Linda--I love that. I am with you in the O. Chambers devotional! I missed yesterday...but today...hit me between the eyes. I love it---and also tighten my belt when God points something out to me!
You are a dear precious friend!
Very Good. I too read Chambers as my devotion before I put my feet on the floor each morning.
Great thoughts for the day. Thanks
Beautiful. I will be printing this off and giving it to Kev - Satan has been trying very hard to get him off course of late.
I need to do Chambers again.
I've had a good workout with my word for the year this week - flexibility!
Great post Linda, with so much food for thought! I love these words from your scripture, that gives us all such HOPE, "Behold, I will do a new thing." May God bless you for the inspirational words that you share.
Despair, or despair masquerading as apathy or acedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sloth_(deadly_sin)
Thanks for your encouraging comments on my blog this week.
Dear Linda,
Loved the inspirational words you shared today.
God has given you a gift in your ability to write so beautifully..
xo
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