Held By Grace: Hope Deferred Makes The Heart Sick

"Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a promise fulfilled is like a tree of life" (Proverbs 13:12)

A desire unfulfilled can be like an ache in the heart and even sometimes the soul, depending on how long it's delayed; however, when it's fulfilled, it's like a rush of water, satisfying every empty space and softening every tender part. 

I am not a stranger to the ache and the questions of when God's promise will be materialized, or the doubt if it ever will be... I've even gotten to the point of, dare I say, "giving God an ultimatum" to either fulfil the desire I know He put on my heart, or take it away because it's too painful to wait any longer. One morning, as I sat up in bed listening to worship music, I felt a word stir in my Spirit that I had to write down in my journal. And the word was this: "And the Lord will satisfy the desires of my heart." I felt led to write it repeatedly until it filled the page, and I knew right then and there what God was reminding me: He keeps His promises. And so I encourage you with this: whatever promises of God you are waiting for, He will keep His Word. 

"For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry" (Habakkuk 2:3)

The Lord gave you that desire, that vision, or promise for a reason. Keep holding on even if it feels like it's the last bit of your strength or faith. Remember, He can still do a lot with that mustard seed. My mom said this to me the other day, as she spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit: "God is very aware of your heart's desires and will bring it to pass. This is why He brought those exact things up to me as I prayed for you." Here are some verses as you continue to wait and hope in Christ.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Psalm 21:2 says, "You have given him his heart's desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah

Selah means to pause, and so I want you to pause on the Word of God. Meditate on it until it fills your heart because His Word will give you strength to keep standing on that promise.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a road trip, and we had a worship playlist on. A song I have not heard in a while came on, and it ministered to me; it's called "Wait on the Lord." So I will end this blog with this song. We will wait on the Lord because He will renew our strength, though it tarries (delays); wait for it; it will come.