FREEDOM FROM DESPAIR

Psalm 110:3 “Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.”

Psalm 31:21-22 “Blessed be the Lord, for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me when I was in a besieged city. I had said in my alarm, “I am cut off from your sight.” But you heard the voice of my pleas for mercy when I cried to you for help.”

David was shut up in a besieged city (Psalm 31:21) and felt trapped.

He was so threatened that he flirted with despair.

And that is when he felt abandoned by God himself: “In my alarm I said, ‘I am cut off from your sight!’ ” (Psalm 31:22).

That is the worst despair of all—to feel that God has abandoned you.

Do you often feel abandoned, like God has left you

In the biblical context, despair is often associated with feelings of hopelessness, abandonment, and a sense of being separated from God.

Despair is to lose all hope or confidence, to give up, to surrender

. Despair is a recurrent theme throughout the Bible, with numerous passages depicting characters struggling with feelings of hopelessness and desperation.

Perhaps the most well-known example of this is the book of Job, in which the titular character experiences a series of devastating losses, including the death of his children, the destruction of his property, and his own physical suffering. In response to these trials, Job laments, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11).

For instance, in Psalm 22, the speaker cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?" (Psalm 22:1).

The psalm goes on to describe the speaker's physical and emotional pain, as well as his feelings of abandonment and rejection by God.

Other biblical figures who experienced despair include Elijah, who after defeating the prophets of Baal, fled from the wrath of Queen Jezebel and despaired for his life (1 Kings 19:1-4).

2 Corinthians 1:8–9 (NKJV) — 8 For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead,

The Causes of Despair

Despair can be caused by suffering or lack as we have already seen

The causes of despair in the Bible are varied, but they generally stem from a sense of hopelessness and a feeling of being cut off from God.

Another common cause of despair in the Bible is sin. When we sin, we feel guilt and shame, and this can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. In Psalm 51, David expresses his despair after committing adultery with Bathsheba and having her husband Uriah killed. He says, "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight" (Psalm 51:3-4).

The Consequences of Despair

The consequences of despair can be severe, both for the individual experiencing it and for those around them.

When we are in a state of despair, we may become isolated and withdrawn, cutting ourselves off from the people and activities that once brought us joy. We may also become angry, resentful, or bitter, lashing out at others and blaming them for our pain.

In addition, despair can have physical and mental health consequences. People who are in a state of despair may experience chronic stress, which can lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and insomnia. They may also be at increased risk for depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

Remedies for Despair

One common remedy for despair is prayer and faith in God. In many of the Psalms, the speaker expresses their pain and despair to God, but ultimately trusts in his love and mercy. For example, in Psalm 23, the speaker declares, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me" (Psalm 23:4).

Another remedy for despair is the support of community. The book of Job, for instance, shows the importance of community in times

Hope in God. Ps. 42:5, 11 “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.”

God’s faithfulness. 1 Cor. 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

Accept God’s chastening. Heb. 12:5–11 “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Cast your care upon the Lord. 1 Pet. 5:7 “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

2 Cor 4:8–9 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed -

Trust in God, a preservative against. Ps 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance.

Ps 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.