Proverbs 13

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. v.12


Read chapter 13

How often do you get anxious waiting for something so desired that it's painful? Whatever the hope is the pain is in the mind. Like a little kid having to eat his vegetables so he can have ice cream for dessert is the most miserable thing to him or her in that moment, yet when they get that treat it's like Christmas. I long to be married one day and at times in my life this hope deferred is saddening in the waiting process like it might never happen, but I know that when it does it will be amazing. Men and women throughout the Old Testament longingly waited for the Messiah to come and many lost hope, yet when Christ came at His perfect timing it was a exceeding joy to all. And so we today wait for His second coming in His kingdom, not to lose heart though we may be anxious in the waiting for it will be a tree of life like in the Garden of Eden and inexpressible joy.

What hope are you waiting for that causes grief? When have you experienced the overwhelming joy when that desire comes?