Romancing The Rock

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” [Proverbs 13:12]

Sometimes we hang on to hopes and dreams for years — always praying that God will intervene and bring them to pass. But in the waiting, sometimes we can become heartsick — despairing even. It is in those lowest times that we must keep our faith, clinging to the Lord’s promises, praising Him when it is hardest. Even when the hope starts to fade and you feel like giving up, that is when you need to hold on the tightest to the Vine.

It is the darkest time that comes just before the dawn, and then, oh then, the longing fulfilled. Joy wells up within you and overflows to all around. You feel more alive than ever, and vitality streams through you. Then it is the time to praise the Father in Heaven who showers us with grace. The feeling is likened to a tree of life and indeed it produces happy fruit in your life.

So my encouragement to you today is to remain in the Vine — in Christ — and sooner or later those dreams and longings will be fulfilled, bringing more joy than you could even imagine.

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.” [John 15:5a]