Deuteronomy 28:64-66 NIV

 “Then the LORD will scatter you among all nations, from one end of the earth to the other. There you will worship other gods—gods of wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. Among those nations you will find no repose, no resting place for the sole of your foot. There the LORD will give you an anxious mind, eyes weary with longing, and a despairing heart. You will live in constant suspense, filled with dread both night and day, never sure of your life.” 

Today we are continuing our “Heart” study by looking at a despairing or trembling heart.  We will focus our attention on verse 65.  However, I pulled in all three for the full effect. 

At first glance, I am struck by the gut wrenching observation that these three verses could be used to describe many today; many a man, many a church body.   Scattered, turned away from the One True God, finding no repose, no rest, no solid footing.  Only anxiety, weary eyes with longing and ….. a despairing heart! 

According to the Hebrew transliteration, raggaz is the word from which the word despairing is derived.  Raggaz means, quivering, quaking, and trembling.   

I do not know about you but I know personally how this feels.  It is very scary to find yourself in a state where the heart is despairing.  Regardless of one’s situation or circumstance, any time we turn away from the One and Only and bow down to other gods, the end result will always be a despairing heart, especially for believers.  Non-believers live in a constant state of despairing hearts, they just are not aware of it.  Why?  Because there is no substitute for God.  There is no short cutting His commands.  When man tries, there is a price to pay. 

According to www.dictionary.com, the word despair means to lose, give up or be without hope.  Similar feelings of disheartenment, desperation, despondency, discouragement, helplessness refer to a state of mind caused by circumstances that seem too much to cope with. 

Hope for a Despairing Heart

Personally, I have found that a heart transformed by God and His Word is never the same as it was previously.  The transformation that has and continues to take place in my heart over the past several years has renewed it like nothing I have ever experienced.  Rebellion looses its fulfillment.  The heart longs for more and more of His filling. 

Even in seasons of doubt, fear and despair, the heart’s cry resounds.  The past few months I have experienced a despairing heart.  I have felt like I imagine Job must have felt when Satan was granted permission to advance or increase his attacks on Job’s life.  I praise God for the discerning spirit within me to see what is taking place.  Here are a few of the activities in my life this year that contributed to increased spiritual attacks by the Enemy that have lead to my despairing heart.  As you read them, see if you can look with discerning eyes and heart and understand why our Enemy would not like what is taking place.

2009 - January

• I started a daily Bible in a Year reading plan.  I have never been motivated or moved to do so until now.  The Enemy despises the Word of God.
• Fire Proof couples devotion.  Prayer partner Dina Parris gave Jana and me the devotional for Christmas.  It is a powerful journey.  The Enemy hates efforts to strengthen marriages, especially those who are in any kind of Kingdom impacting ministry.
• My book.  Not sure if you are aware but I have a book in the works.  Actually, it’s been in the works for two or three years.  I was challenged to pick it back up and get it completed.  So I did.  I was enthused and excited about doing so.  Whatever is in it must be threatening to the Enemy.  All kinds of obstacles have presented themselves. 
• The Russell family made a hard decision to leave our home church of seventeen years and search for one that would provide a place in which all four of us could be ministered to and provide an opportunity to use our God given gifts, talents and passions.  Again, our Enemy loves to hold God’s children captive, not only to the bondages of sin but religion, membership and the fear of man and man’s thoughts.
• PureHeart Ministries:  The New Year brought with it a new and renewed excitement for the call God placed our hearts some six years ago.  Again, God desires and longs for His children to step out in wholehearted obedience regardless to whether the world appreciates or understands.  PureHeart Ministries is the fruit of three men doing exactly that and ministering in heart areas that our Enemy would just assume have left alone. 

 Whew, five significant events or activities that began in 2009.  Standing alone, each has the potential to have significant Kingdom impact, combined…well, let’s just say…I’m not surprised by the heightened spiritual attacks.  However, expecting it and standing firm under it are two completely separate things.  I praise God for Ryan and Brad.  They are my Aaron and Hur!!! 

Our Enemy knows where to strike and strike he does.  He always strikes at our weakest point.  That is why we at PHM strive to minster God’s complete and total healing to each who will partner with us, healing in the inner most part. 

Is there any wonder the heart can find itself in a state of despair? 

Next note will cover an antidote for a despairing heart.   

Join me praising and praying to God for the following: 

1.      Praise Him for the beautiful weather we’ve been having. 

2.      I praise Him for a safe and enjoyable trip to Colorado.  While there, I stopped by to visit friend and prayer partner, Naomi Mueller.  Colorado trips are spiritually refreshing to me.  There’s just something about those mountains!

3.      Pray for the PHM leadership team.  We will be hosting our board of directors on Tuesday, June 2 for dinner and meeting.  Pray for guidance, direction and God’s anointing in our time together.

4.      Pray for the young men that are partnering with PHM. 

5.      Pray for Brad, Ryan and me.  Pray for life balance.  Pray for our wives and children.   

Sharing from the Heart;

Steve