Did you know that despair is a horrible place to be in? Despair is when you feel like all hope is lost. You reach for answers and come up empty. Now, you’re desperate. Desperation in despair does not a happy couple make. These two cause you to believe in false promises, create unrealistic expectations, and yield devastating outcomes. Unfortunately, I’ve been mixed up with these two a time or two or ten. But there’s hope for surviving and recovering from this dastardly duo.
The Story: Judges 11:29-40
In Judges 11:29-40, Jephthah prepared to go into battle with Ammonites. Before the fight, he made a vow to God that if he won against the Ammonites, he would offer whoever he saw come out of his house to the Lord as a burnt offering. The Lord indeed gave the Ammonites into the hand of Jephthah. The victory was great and the remaining Ammonites were humble before Israel.
When Jephthah returned home from battle, the first person he saw was his one and only child. His daughter was so excited to see her father that she ran to him and danced. Unfortunately, her presence grieved Jephthah. He explained that he made a vow to God and can’t undo it. She understood that God kept his promise and now her father had to do the same. Therefore, Jephthah fulfilled his vow.
The Lesson
As we read this account, various emotions form. A vast amount of questions flood our thoughts. However, there’s a lesson for us all. This account reveals desperation in despair. Jephthah recently became the leader of Gilead to deal with the Ammonites. He knew that he needed to resolve the matter in Israel’s favor or the elders would force him to leave again. He was in a state of despair and felt that he was without hope on his own. So he made a vow to God. As a result, desperation partnered with despair without considering the possible outcomes.
What does Jephthah teach when confronted with this dastardly duo?
- Pause – Take a moment to stop and breathe. Slow the heart rate and decrease the anxiety. Our heightened state leads to rash decisions, irrevocable vows, and increased suffering. 2 Corinthians 4:17 promises that the light afflictions are but for a moment. Therefore, they will pass. So pause.
- Pray – Seek God for understanding and answers. Don’t make promises or vows in hopes of swaying His decision. The price may be more than we want to pay. He’s a loving God so seek Him and await His response.
- Process – Do what God says. If He hasn’t yet responded, hold fast and don’t act. This is downright difficult. However, if we don’t, the desperation in despair will yield tragic results.
To arrive on the other side of despair, the three Ps are our hope. So pause, pray, and process. Afterward, we will find peace.
