“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”

Proverbs 13:12 NIV

I think many of us have longings within ourselves that remain unfulfilled. Our hope is deferred- delayed, postponed- and we are heartsick. But hope isn’t about our circumstances. Hope is found in the character of God.

When hope is introduced in Hebrews 6, the author describes hope as an anchor for our souls:

“But we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”

Hebrews 6:19a NIV

You know what our souls tend to do when they are untethered? They wander. But when they are anchored, not loosely tied, to the reality of our unchanging God, they remain firm, steadfast, and secure.

As a result, when disappointment strikes- our souls don’t wander, they wait. They are firm, steadfast, and unmoved because their hope is found in the character and promises of God, not in their circumstances or even another person.

I often see cute little phrases on Instagram saying things like- “God knows the perfect time to give you what you’ve been praying about.” And even though it is a cute sentiment, it’s also true!

There is a verse that God gave me a long time ago- found in an obscure little book in the back of the Old Testament- and it’s something I cling to when my soul gets a little restless.

 “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what He will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint. Then the Lord replied: ‘Write down the revelation and make it plan on tablets so that the herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.”

Habakkuk 2:2-3 NIV

Now this Word from the Lord comes after an entire chapter of the prophet Habakkuk pouring his heart out to the Lord asking deep intimate questions about the fate of his beloved Israel. And the Lord’s response is staggering. He tells him to wait for an appointed time. It would not be delayed. Talk about an anchor of hope to cling to- what you are asking for is on the horizon- but not yet. Just you wait.

I used to think God appealed to our complaints. In fact, I wrote a blog about it years ago that I now find theologically inaccurate. Now I believe the Lord listens and responds to our lament- the cries of our hearts. Not the complaints of a grumbling heart, but the heart’s groan of lament that come from a place of trust and adoration. You see- lament roots us. Complaint unhinges us. In lament there is a point of turn. A yet. An acknowledgement that despite our current circumstances, the Lord is good and faithful.

“Yet I wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us. Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines. Though the olive crop fails, and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”

Habakkuk 3:16b-18 NIV

When I think about my hope being deferred, I consider the people of Israel- crying out for their savior. Where is the Messiah you have promised, Lord? But just like in our moments of deferred hope, God knows best. He knew the exact moment in time when Jesus would need to enter the story. He knew what needed to happen in time and history. He was setting the scene, paving the way behind the scenes. He was making a way when there was no way. But there was a way- they just couldn’t see it with their bare eyes. They couldn’t begin to comprehend all He was doing.

There is a prayer I’ve been praying for years. And I’ve yet to see it come to fruition. And while my hope might be deferred and my heart a little sick- I know my trust is an unchanging God who always keeps his promises, even if my naked eyes cannot see what He is doing right now. My spirit senses He is on the move. The pace quickens as He moves a little closer. Your breakthrough might be just around the corner. Have hope. Trust in His character and goodness. Lament if you need to. Cry out. Keep praying, and don’t stop watching for His movement, for the day awaits an appointed hour.

- Kierstin Almstrum, ARISE Director of Online Operations and Project Management