Hopes and Longings

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

My name is Amy Boucher-Pye and I called our reading Hopes and Longings. When I moved to England, the American holiday of Thanksgiving became just another Thursday in November. Although I created a feast the weekend after, I longed to be with family and friends on the day. Yet I understood that my longings weren't unique to me. We all yearn to be with people dear to us on special occasions and holidays. And even when we're celebrating, we may miss someone who's not with us, or we may pray for our fractured family to be at peace. During these times, praying and pondering the wisdom of the Bible has helped me, including one of King Solomon's proverbs, Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. In this proverb, one of the pithy sayings through which Solomon shared his wisdom, he notes the effect that hope deferred can have.

The delay of something much longed for can result in angst and pain. But when the desire is fulfilled, it's like a tree of life, something that allows us to feel refreshed and renewed. Some of our hopes and desires might not be fulfilled right away, and some might only be met through God after we die. Whatever our longing, we can trust in Him, knowing He loves us unceasingly.

And one day, we'll be reunited with loved ones as we feast with Him and give thanks to Him. The passage from scripture for today is from Proverbs 13 verses 12 through 19. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it, but whoever respects a command is rewarded. The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death. Good judgment wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction. All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly. A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.

Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. Let's pray. God our Creator, you fulfill our deepest longings. We give you our hopes and our desires as we ask you to grant them according to your wisdom and your love. And we pray through the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.