What is despair? According to Scripture, despair takes on many forms.
It is a spirit (Isaiah 61:3).
It is a pit (Psalm 40:2)
It is a thief (Job 15:22)
It is a liar (Psalm 42:5)
It is a burden (2 Corinthians 1:8)
It is a crushing weight (Psalm 38:8)
It wrestles with your spirit (Psalm 13:2)
It ruins your appetite (Psalm 107:18)
Despair at its root is a loss of hope. And hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). I began this post with a popular biblical verse that speaks of God’s promise to replace the spirit of heaviness with the garment of praise. No word in Scripture has been placed there haphazardly; there is a meaning behind every phrase if you pay close attention. Why would the Lord refer to a garment of praise? Because the Israelites were familiar with sackcloth, the garment used to represent sorrow:
Genesis 37:34
1 Kings 21:27
Jonah 3:5-9
Daniel 9:3
Verses in the book of Ezra also come to mind, which depicts a scene of absolute despair (9:3-5).
From as far back as my teen years, I had battled with depression. In my twenties, I would joke that I had “walking depression” like one would have walking pneumonia. I was one of many “functioning depressives” that walked around with a beating heart but a broken spirit. I am all too familiar with despair.
I look back at those years and can now smile because I know better. As a sister in Christ would always tell me, thank God for God. In John 14:16, Jesus promises His followers that upon His death and resurrection, the Father would send the Holy Spirit (Paraclete in the original Greek) as a comforter, advocate and intercessor. So you see, while the enemy with his slick lies and smoke and mirrors tries to convince you that all hope is lost, the Truth is far from it. God promised never to leave you nor forsake you (Deutoronomy 13:8, Hebrews 13:5-6). The Lord asks that you cast your cares upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). He promises a garland of beauty to replace the ashes you threw on your head in your despair (Isaiah 61:3).
Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Speak life over yourself, despite how you’re feeling. Be careful not to fall into that feeling of despair: feelings come from the heart, which is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9). Remember, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Believe in God’s plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), which was set since before you were born (Psalm 139:16-18). The Lord Jesus Christ came to give you life and to give it to you abundantly (John 10:10). Lastly, I leave you with my favorite bible verse, which always gives me comfort: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Thank You, Lord!
I pray this blesses you.