Desperation

In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. Psalm 34:6 (NLT)

It is not unusual for children to have a sense of desperation this time of year. They have made their wish list, perhaps even written a letter to Santa Claus. The anticipation leading up to Christmas is excruciating. Will their desires come true? Will they try and sneak a peek? Do they secretly fear that they might be on the naughty list?

A sense of desperation brings things into focus. It consumes us sometimes to the point of the exclusion of everything else. As adults, we may look at a child’s desperation with amusement, knowing that their world will not end if they do not receive what they desire. However, the more significant question is, “Are we desperate enough for that which really matters?”

Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” Mark 10:15 (NLT). Childlike faith exhibits a singleness of purpose. Contrary to popular opinion, desperation is not terrible, especially when the object of our desperation is God.

The Psalmist called out to God in his time of need, and God rescued him from all his troubles. Why do so many people wait until they are in danger or try everything else before coming to God? Dear Lord, bring us to the place where we know our deep need for you.

Ignorance

Their tent-cords are pulled and the tent collapses, and they die in ignorance. Job 4:21 (NLT)

English poet Thomas Gray coined the phrase, “Ignorance is bliss.” Without debating the merits of this sentiment, ignorance of our spiritual condition is hazardous. While we may not know every danger, we must never forget that an enemy is waging war against us.

In addressing the Athenians, the Apostle Paul observed that they worshiped the “Unknown God.” The people of Athens wanted to cover all of their bases. God had a tolerance for ignorance and complacency, but the Advent of Jesus changed everything. Paul said, “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. Acts 17:30 (NLT)

The Advent of Christ revealed God’s plan and purpose for humanity. God understands our failures and has made provision for us, but we must face our desperate condition. Paul told Timothy, Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:13 (NIV)

It is essential to recognize the difference between naïve ignorance and willful ignorance. We may find the revelation of God in many ways and places, but if we purposely turn away from the truth, we do so to our detriment.

Keep Our Eyes on the Prize

I desperately want to be in the courts of the Lord’s temple. My heart and my entire being shout for joy to the living God. Psalm 84:2 (NET)

I do not remember the exact quotation, but I recall reading that going to church should be our excuse for not doing something else rather than something else being our excuse for not going to church. The Psalmist knew what he wanted, or more accurately, where he wanted to dwell.

The world tries to tell us that religion may have its place, but don’t take it too seriously. Indeed, they think, it is not worthy of desperation. Once again, the Psalms give perspective. O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 (NLT)

Our focus sharpens when we are in a desolate place and have the awareness to know what really matters. When things are easy, and we have abundance, we tend toward complacency. In the wilderness, delirium can overcome our senses. Lord, help us keep our eyes on you. May we never lose our desire to be with you.

The Best Desperation

I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13 (LSB)

At the time of Christ’s Advent, many of God’s people were in desperation. There had been no revelation from heaven in hundreds of years. Conditions as they saw them in the world were bleak. Only a remnant of the people was clinging to the hope of salvation.

If church attendance is an indication, a significant number of people have given up hope today. How many no longer believe in the goodness of God? It is better to be in desperation than to be in despair. Do we need to be reminded of Jesus’ words, “Let not your heart be troubled?”

In the book of Acts, Paul and Barnabas reminded the believers “that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22 (NLT). It might not be the message we want to hear at Christmas time, but it might be the one we need to hear.

Desperation brings us to a crossroads. Sadly, some, if not many, will lose hope and fall away. The best desperation causes us to fix our eyes on Jesus, clinging to him as the hope of the world. I think of Michael W. Smith’s song “Breathe.” “I’m lost without You. I’m desperate for You.”

Following the way of the cross and Christ can sometimes feel like a lonely endeavor. It can hurt to see that not everyone is willing to go with us. The gospel message and the cross can be a stumbling block for many people.

Where Else Could We Go?

After the feeding of the 5,000, the crowds following Jesus multiplied. He began to teach the true meaning of discipleship and following him, resulting in complaining and desertion. Jesus turned to the Twelve, inquiring if they also wanted to leave. Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68–69 (NLT)

It is a good thing not to have any other options. In this Advent season, are we desperately seeking Christ?

Steve Ekeroth

Photo by Dhivakaran S: