Desperation is a terrible thing. Less than a year ago, I stayed at the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach; a grand old hotel recently restored to its former glory. However, the rich history of this hotel is blighted by a notable death. Adolph Coors, the founder of the Coors Brewing Company, is said to have been so frustrated by prohibition and a flood in Colorado that greatly impacted his brewery, that in desperation he climbed out of a window on the hotel’s sixth floor and jumped to his death. It was June 1929.
During the Great Depression in cities like Chicago and New York, there were prominent business leaders who, in the face of losing their fortune, were completely devoid of any hope and like Adolph, plunged to their death. When people are without God, they are often without hope.
This week, while watching the news and seeing lines of people queueing for hours outside Centrelinks (the government agency that handles unemployment and other benefits in Australia), I was reminded of the difficulty many now face and how desperate life can become – most notably, for people who have no foundation for their hope. We should all be thankful for the assistance and effort the government can provide at this time but thank God you DO have hope that anchors your soul, even amidst uncertainty. This hope is secure and steadfast and will steady you through even the fiercest of storms (Hebrews 6:19).
The Bible puts it this way in Proverbs 13:12,
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.”
The second part of this verse offers a great deal of hope. Not IF, but WHEN the desire comes, or your opportunity arrives and the promises of God become your portion, it is like a tree of life.
Psalm 1:1-3 is a powerful Psalm that compares a righteous man to a tree of life. Verse 3 says of him,
“He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.”
In this season, my counsel is to stay planted by the river of God’s goodness and grace. Do not allow desperation and hopelessness to overwhelm you by solely relying on what you see and hear of this world. Rather, be desperate for the presence of God. Be desperate for more of His word. Put your roots firmly down in faith-filled prayer. Commit to honouring God with your finances and in all aspects of your life. I hope you can connect online to your church family each weekend to gather together, worship together and listen to hope-filled messages together. I pray every message preached will literally be like living water to you and your soul.
We are all going to come through this. I will be believing for God to bring you into a fruitful season ahead – a season that testifies of His faithfulness. We are in this together. Let me encourage you one more time to stay in faith. God is our source. And while clearly, we are entering a very difficult season for all the nations of the earth, I pray for God’s protection on His people.
As always, if you need prayer or counsel, please remember that our pastoral team is here for you and your family.
Stay in faith – the best is yet to come.
Brian Houston
Global Senior Pastor
Hillsong Church
If you require pastoral assistance in Australia please contact Hillsong Church on 1300 535353
If a person is at risk of harm to themselves or they threaten to harm others please immediately call emergency services on 000 or 911.
For a list of other services please see below.
MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBEING
Including anxiety, depression, distress, grief and suicide.
AUSTRALIA
Lifeline
Ph: 13 11 14
Web: www.lifeline.org.au
Providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Beyond Blue
Ph: 1300 224 636
Beyond Blue supports information and support for everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Suicide Call Back Service
Ph: 1300 659 467
Web: www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au (then login for Online Chat or Video Chat)
Nationwide service that provides 24/7 telephone, video and online professional counselling to people who are affected by suicide.
Mensline
Ph: 1300 789 978
Web: Mensline.org.au
Mensline Australia is a telephone and online counselling service for men with family and relational concerns.
USA
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Ph: 1-800-273-8255
Web: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national service for anyone experiencing emotional distress or dealing with suicidal thoughts. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
UNITED KINGDOM
Samaritans
Ph: 116 123
Web: www.samaritans.org
Samaritans is a UK based charity offering support to those in despair and who are facing suicidal thoughts.
Mar 22 2020
