Fountains of Wisdom—A Study in Proverbs Part 37- In the midst of Despair–Rejoice
If we look at the world around us with all the wars, financial ruin, terrorism, illness, and evil that surrounds us, we would be overwhelmed with despair. If we look at the struggles within our own lives—work, home, health, and family—we would be overwhelmed with fear. If we look deep into the crevices of our own heart and recognize our own failures, we would be crushed with the weight of guilt.
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Yet, into the darkest pit of our despair comes a ray of shining hope that surrounds our soul, embracing it—lifting it high above the rubble surrounding us.
That is shown forth in chapter 21 of Proverbs, as it begins with verse 1. “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” God is in control, even over the hearts of wicked leaders—God will accomplish all that He has planned. He does not cause evil; yet, in His mercy at times He tarries His judgment knowing the end of the story. We see this world and our lives as though they are forever. We suffer the pains
as though they are our eternity; yet, this whole life is but a blink of the eye compared to eternity. What if, God; who knows my heart were to choose that in this life I would suffer loss, pain, sorrow, and devastation every day of my life so that I might be able to see Him clearly in all His Majesty and Glory? What if, God; who knows my heart chooses to allow pain, suffering, and struggles in my life that I might display His love, joy and hope to you while you watch my journey and you see the sustaining faith that He infuses in me? What if, God knowing my heart, would rip every dream or desire I thought I had out of my hands so that I might find the greatest treasure of all in Him, alone? “2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” We may think that we know what would bring us joy; but, God knows that the only thing that will fill our hearts with joy is a close relationship with Him. He was willing to sacrifice all to pay the penalty of our sin so that relationship can be restored; why would we not be willing to give up everything we are clutching so tightly in our hands for that relationship with Him. We must let go of pride, lying, thievery, gossip, and selfishness. (verses 3-11) We must lay aside our constant thinking about me, my rights, my desires, my joys and seek Him. (verses 12-20) When we finally come to the end of ourselves—there is where we will truly find the joy, the hope, the love that we were searching for. Proverbs 21: “ 21 He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour….30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord.31 The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord.”
So in the darkest hours, when it appears that everything around you is crashing in; remember this. God is in Control. God loves you and has a plan of love for you. Jeremiah 29:11 “11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. He knows my final destiny which is as Jesus prayed, John 17 “21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”
I may not know what is your trial or sorrow today; but I urge you to rest cradled in the arms of your heavenly Father as He sings His sweet and joyous lullaby over you today. Zephaniah 3: “17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”
Then arise with a new heart that can pray as did Habakkuk 3: 17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.19 The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. “
Let’s sing with Dustin Kensrue Rejoice
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
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