COMMENTARY

Don Atkin

HOPE DEFERRED; DESIRE FULFILLED

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. – Proverbs 13:12.

There are many sick hearts in the family of God. Some have lost hope when their vision failed to materialize in (what they believe to be) a reasonable time span.

I was given a word yesterday. There were several names attached to this word as it flowed from the matrix of my being. I have chosen this manner of communicating, because I am certain that it has application to more than those few.

"I am sending a restoration of hope. Then, faith will be given through a fresh word. As faith is exercised, desires will be fulfilled.

"Even as many had lost hope in father-son relationships ~ and I am restoring hearts of fathers to children and hearts of children to fathers ~ so I will do this impossible thing for those who are seeking first My kingdom.

"Look to Me for the impossible!"

This promised restoration of hope I believe, is specifically for marriages and for ministries. It may happen in an instant. More likely, there will be seasons for proving ~ faithful over a little, then more, then more. Seed time ~ process ~ harvest.

We need to constantly repent for all carnal desires, and for allowing our thoughts and ways to override our Father’s higher thoughts and ways. We need the mind of Christ to know His will for us, and His ways for fulfilling His will for us.

We don’t want the desire of our hearts with leanness of soul (Psalm 106:15). We prefer what our Father desires for us as we delight ourselves in Him!

Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart – Psalm 37:3-4.

Times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. – Acts 3:19; James 4:8.

Keep hope alive by feeding on God’s faithfulness. Days, weeks, months, even years.